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E gypsy major scale on guitar
E gypsy major contains E, F, G♯, A, B, C, and D♯. Its Box 1 root on the 4th string, 2nd fret makes it a low-position alternative to E phrygian dominant.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the E gypsy major scale on guitar?
E 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 low E string at fret 0, the D string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 1, 2, 3 | D♯, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1 | B, C |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1 | E, F |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 15 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 A string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 5 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 2 (B) | 4, 5, 6 | D♯, E, F |
| 1 (e) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
E gypsy 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 C on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 5 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 8, 9, 10 | D♯, E, F |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10 | G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8 | B, C |
Box 4 · frets 11–14
E gypsy major in box 4 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 15 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 low E string at fret 12, the D string at fret 14 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 11, 12, 13 | D♯, E, F |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12, 14 | G♯, A, B |
| 4 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 13, 14 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 12, 13 | B, C |
| 1 (e) | 11, 12, 13 | D♯, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
E gypsy major is E phrygian dominant with the ♭7 raised to a major 7th. The scale keeps the ♭2, major 3rd, and ♭6, but the leading tone D♯ replaces D. Compare it with E phrygian dominant to hear the difference. The tritone between F and B and the augmented fifth from E to C give the scale its tension.
When to use it
E gypsy major fits E major and E 5th chords, especially in metal and flamenco. The ♭2 and ♭6 also work over E major progressions that borrow from phrygian. Use it for dramatic runs or cadences resolving to E.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first; its root on the 4th string, 2nd fret anchors the pattern and covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the ♭2 and major 7th.
Common questions
What notes are in E gypsy major?
E gypsy major uses E, F, G♯, A, B, C, and D♯. 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 E gypsy major?
E gypsy major works over E major and E 5th chords. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension that resolves to the tonic. Try it over an E drone for a Middle Eastern sound.
How does E gypsy major differ from E phrygian dominant?
E gypsy major raises the ♭7 of E phrygian dominant to a major 7th. This changes D to D♯, creating a leading tone. The rest of the scale remains the same.