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E hungarian major scale on guitar
E Hungarian major uses E, G, G♯, B♭, B, C♯, D. Its chromatic pairs make it a bold choice over E major or E minor.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 3, ♭5, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the E hungarian major scale on guitar?
E hungarian 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 G on the high e string at fret 3. 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, 3 | E, G |
| 5 (A) | 1, 2 | B♭, B |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, G♯, B♭ |
| 2 (B) | 0, 2, 3 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 3 | E, G |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
E hungarian major in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 15 notes across 6 strings, from G on the low E string at fret 3 up to B♭ on the high e string at fret 6. The root falls on the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3, 4, 6 | G, G♯, B♭ |
| 5 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 4 (D) | 5, 6 | G, G♯ |
| 3 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | B♭, B, C♯ |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5 | D, E |
| 1 (e) | 3, 4, 6 | G, G♯, B♭ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E hungarian major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 15 notes across 6 strings, from B♭ on the low E string at fret 6 up to C♯ on the high e string at fret 9. 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) | 6, 7, 9 | B♭, B, C♯ |
| 5 (A) | 7 | E |
| 4 (D) | 6, 8, 9 | G♯, B♭, B |
| 3 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (B) | 8, 9 | G, G♯ |
| 1 (e) | 6, 7, 9 | B♭, B, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
E hungarian major in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 16 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 low E string at fret 12, the G string at fret 9 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 5 (A) | 10, 11 | G, G♯ |
| 4 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (G) | 9, 12 | E, G |
| 2 (B) | 9, 11, 12 | G♯, B♭, B |
| 1 (e) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
Why it sounds like that
E Hungarian major is E acoustic with the second degree lowered to G and a major third G♯ added. The scale retains the ♭7 D, giving it a dominant pull. Compare with E acoustic to hear the altered degrees.
When to use it
E Hungarian major fits E major and E minor chords, adding a ♭5. Use it over E major or E 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 7 and covers frets 0–3. This position keeps the chromatic pairs within a four-fret span.
Common questions
What notes are in E Hungarian major?
E Hungarian major contains E, G, G♯, B♭, B, C♯, D. The scale includes a minor third and a major third. Its diminished fifth adds a bluesy edge.
Which chords fit E Hungarian major?
E Hungarian major works over E major and E minor chords. The ♭5 creates an altered dominant sound. Use it for rock or fusion solos.
How does E Hungarian major differ from E acoustic?
E Hungarian major lowers the second degree to G and adds G♯ as a major third. E acoustic uses F♯ and G♯ instead. The Hungarian major has a ♭3 and ♭5.