Explore scales · Guitar
A gypsy major scale on guitar
A gypsy major contains A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, and G♯. Its Box 1 root on the 6th string, 5th fret anchors the pattern for quick access to the ♭2 and major 7th.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A gypsy major scale on guitar?
A gypsy major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 14 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to F on the high e string at fret 1. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 5 (A) | 0, 1 | A, B♭ |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 2 (B) | 2, 3 | C♯, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1 | E, F |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 14 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to B♭ on the high e string at fret 6. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the D string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7, 8 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 3 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6 | E, F |
| 1 (e) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
A gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 15 notes across 6 strings, from C♯ on the low E string at fret 9 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, D |
| 3 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10, 11 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 1 (e) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
Why it sounds like that
A gypsy major is A phrygian dominant with the ♭7 raised to a major 7th. The scale keeps the ♭2, major 3rd, and ♭6, but the leading tone G♯ replaces G. Compare it with A phrygian dominant to hear the difference. The tritone between B♭ and E and the augmented fifth from A to F give the scale its tension.
When to use it
A gypsy major fits A major and A 5th chords, especially in metal and flamenco. The ♭2 and ♭6 also work over A major progressions that borrow from phrygian. Use it for dramatic runs or cadences resolving to A.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first; its root on the 6th string, 5th fret anchors the pattern and covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the ♭2 and major 7th.
Common questions
What notes are in A gypsy major?
A gypsy major uses A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, and G♯. The scale has a minor 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, augmented 5th, and major 7th. It is also called Byzantine.
Which chords fit A gypsy major?
A gypsy major works over A major and A 5th chords. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension that resolves to the tonic. Try it over an A drone for a Middle Eastern sound.
How does A gypsy major differ from A phrygian dominant?
A gypsy major raises the ♭7 of A phrygian dominant to a major 7th. This changes G to G♯, creating a leading tone. The rest of the scale remains the same.