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A hungarian gypsy scale on guitar
A Hungarian Gypsy uses A, B, C, D♯, E, F, G. Its ♯4 and ♭6 create a distinctive Eastern European sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A hungarian gypsy scale on guitar?
A hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 16 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. 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, 3 | E, F, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 1, 2, 3 | D♯, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1 | B, C |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A hungarian gypsy in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 13 notes across 6 strings, from G on the low E string at fret 3 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 5 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
| 4 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 3 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 2 (B) | 4, 5, 6 | D♯, E, F |
| 1 (e) | 3, 5 | G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 16 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to C on the high e string at fret 8. 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, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 5 (A) | 6, 7, 8 | D♯, E, F |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 8 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6, 8 | E, F, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 15 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to C on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the D string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 5 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 8, 9, 10 | D♯, E, F |
| 2 (B) | 8, 10 | G, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8 | B, C |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
A hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 14 notes across 6 strings, from D♯ on the low E string at fret 11 up to F on the high e string at fret 13. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the G string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 11, 12, 13 | D♯, E, F |
| 5 (A) | 12, 14 | A, B |
| 4 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 12, 14 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 12, 13 | B, C |
| 1 (e) | 11, 12, 13 | D♯, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
A Hungarian Gypsy is A natural minor with a raised 4th, D♯ instead of D. The scale contains a tritone between A and D♯, and no leading tone. Compare it with A natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
A Hungarian Gypsy fits A minor and A 5th chords. Use it over A minor progressions for a Gypsy jazz or Eastern European feel. The ♯4 adds tension over A 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; its roots on strings 6, 3, and 1 anchor the low, middle, and high registers.
Common questions
What notes are in A Hungarian Gypsy?
A Hungarian Gypsy contains A, B, C, D♯, E, F, and G. The scale has a ♯4 and ♭6. It is spelled 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7.
Which chords does A Hungarian Gypsy work over?
A Hungarian Gypsy works over A minor and A 5th chords. The ♯4 adds a distinctive colour. Use it with A minor progressions.
What is the difference between A Hungarian Gypsy and A natural minor?
A Hungarian Gypsy raises the 4th degree from D to D♯. A natural minor uses D natural. This change creates the scale's characteristic augmented second between C and D♯.