Explore scales · Ukulele
A gypsy major scale on ukulele
A gypsy major uses A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, G♯. The 1–5 Box 1 grip puts the root on string 4, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A gypsy major scale on ukulele?
A gypsy major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 4 | F, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5 | E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 6 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
A gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A gypsy major is built as A phrygian dominant with the seventh raised from G to G♯. The scale follows 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. Its step pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, 1½, H. Compare it with A phrygian dominant.
When to use it
Use A gypsy major over an A major or A 5th chord for a sharp ♭2 and ♭6 colour. It fits A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, G♯ harmony. Try it in Middle Eastern or fusion styles. See A major and E 7th flat 5.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on string 4, fret 2 and covers frets 1–4, setting up the Box 2 shift.
Common questions
What notes are in A gypsy major?
A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, G♯. The scale has a major third and a raised seventh. It is also called Byzantine.
Which chords fit A gypsy major?
A major and A 5th work as tonic chords. E 7th flat 5 fits the fifth degree. F augmented matches the ♭6.
How does A gypsy major differ from A phrygian dominant?
A gypsy major raises the seventh from G to G♯. This creates a leading tone to the tonic. The rest of the scale is identical.