Explore scales · Guitar
D hungarian major scale on guitar
D Hungarian major uses D, F, F♯, A♭, A, B, C. Its chromatic pairs make it a bold choice over D major or D minor.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 3, ♭5, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the D hungarian major scale on guitar?
D 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 A♭ on the high e string at fret 4. The root falls on the B string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | F, F♯, A♭ |
| 5 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 4 (D) | 3, 4 | F, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | A♭, A, B |
| 2 (B) | 1, 3 | C, D |
| 1 (e) | 1, 2, 4 | F, F♯, A♭ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
D hungarian major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 15 notes across 6 strings, from A♭ on the low E string at fret 4 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | A♭, A, B |
| 5 (A) | 5 | D |
| 4 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, A♭, A |
| 3 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 2 (B) | 6, 7 | F, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 4, 5, 7 | A♭, A, B |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
D hungarian major in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 16 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 10, the G string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 5 (A) | 8, 9 | F, F♯ |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 7, 10 | D, F |
| 2 (B) | 7, 9, 10 | F♯, A♭, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
D hungarian major in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 14 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 low E string at fret 10, the D string at fret 12 and the high e string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 13 | D, F |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12 | A♭, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 10, 11, 13 | F, F♯, A♭ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 13 | D, F |
Why it sounds like that
D Hungarian major is D acoustic with the second degree lowered to F and a major third F♯ added. The scale retains the ♭7 C, giving it a dominant pull. Compare with D acoustic to hear the altered degrees.
When to use it
D Hungarian major fits D major and D minor chords, adding a ♭5. Use it over D major or D minor in jazz-rock. The scale's dual thirds allow quick major-minor shifts.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first; the root sits on string 5, fret 5 and covers frets 1–4. This position keeps the chromatic pairs within a four-fret span.
Common questions
What notes are in D Hungarian major?
D Hungarian major contains D, F, F♯, A♭, A, B, C. The scale includes a minor third and a major third. Its diminished fifth adds a bluesy edge.
Which chords fit D Hungarian major?
D Hungarian major works over D major and D minor chords. The ♭5 creates an altered dominant sound. Use it for rock or fusion solos.
How does D Hungarian major differ from D acoustic?
D Hungarian major lowers the second degree to F and adds F♯ as a major third. D acoustic uses E and F♯ instead. The Hungarian major has a ♭3 and ♭5.