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B hungarian major scale on guitar
B Hungarian major uses B, D, D♯, F, F♯, G♯, A. Its half-step clusters give it a tense, Eastern European flavour.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 3, ♭5, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the B hungarian major scale on guitar?
B hungarian major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 15 notes across 6 strings, from F on the low E string at fret 1 up to G♯ on the high e string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | F, F♯, G♯ |
| 5 (A) | 2 | B |
| 4 (D) | 1, 3, 4 | D♯, F, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (B) | 3, 4 | D, D♯ |
| 1 (e) | 1, 2, 4 | F, F♯, G♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
B hungarian major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 16 notes across 6 strings, from G♯ on the low E string at fret 4 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the low E string at fret 7, the G string at fret 4 and the high e string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 5 (A) | 5, 6 | D, D♯ |
| 4 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 4, 7 | B, D |
| 2 (B) | 4, 6, 7 | D♯, F, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B hungarian major in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 14 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the low E string at fret 7, the D string at fret 9 and the high e string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 5 (A) | 8, 9 | F, F♯ |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 3 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, D♯, F |
| 2 (B) | 7, 9, 10 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 10 | B, D |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
B hungarian major in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 15 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to F on the high e string at fret 13. The root falls on the B string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 11, 13 | D, D♯, F |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 12, 13 | D, D♯ |
| 3 (G) | 10, 11, 13 | F, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12 | A, B |
| 1 (e) | 10, 11, 13 | D, D♯, F |
Why it sounds like that
B Hungarian major derives from B acoustic by lowering the second degree to D and adding D♯ as a major third. The scale keeps the ♭7 A, so it functions as a dominant colour. Contrast with B acoustic to hear the altered notes.
When to use it
B Hungarian major fits B major and B minor chords, adding a ♭5. Use it over B major or B minor in progressive rock. The scale's dual thirds allow bending between minor and major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; the root on string 6, fret 7 covers frets 1–4. This position places the half-step pairs under a compact hand span.
Common questions
What notes are in B Hungarian major?
B Hungarian major contains B, D, D♯, F, F♯, G♯, A. The scale has both a minor third and a major third. Its diminished fifth adds tension.
Which chords fit B Hungarian major?
B Hungarian major works over B major and B minor chords. The ♭5 creates a bluesy, altered sound. Use it for dominant or static harmony.
How does B Hungarian major differ from B acoustic?
B Hungarian major lowers the second degree to D and adds D♯ as a major third. B acoustic uses C♯ and D♯ instead. The Hungarian major has a ♭3 and ♭5.