Explore scales · Ukulele
A gypsy minor scale on ukulele
A gypsy minor runs A, B, C, E♭, E, F, G♯. Box 1 keeps the root on string 4, fret 2 and suits quick two-octave runs.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A gypsy minor scale on ukulele?
A gypsy minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A gypsy minor in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the C string at fret 3 up to E♭ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 5 | E♭, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 6 | C, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A gypsy minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 8 | C, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 8 | F, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 8 | E♭, E, F |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A gypsy minor in box 4 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, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 11, 12 | E♭, E |
| 1 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
Build it from A harmonic minor by lowering the fourth degree D to E♭, which creates a 1½-step gap between C and E♭. The scale degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 7. This alteration gives the scale its characteristic augmented-second leap. Compare it with A harmonic minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use A gypsy minor over A minor or A 5th chords to add a dark, Eastern flavour. It fits the i chord in A minor progressions and works over A minor vamps. Try it in metal, fusion, or Middle Eastern–inspired lines. The raised seventh G♯ also pulls toward the tonic.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 2 and covers frets 0–3, making it ideal for low-position runs and connecting to open chords.
Common questions
What notes are in A gypsy minor?
The notes are A, B, C, E♭, E, F, and G♯. The scale has a minor third and a flat fifth, plus a major seventh. This combination creates its distinctive sound.
Which chords fit A gypsy minor?
A gypsy minor works over A minor and A 5th chords. The scale contains a minor third and perfect fifth, so it fits a minor tonic. The flat fifth adds tension over the chord.
How is A gypsy minor different from A harmonic minor?
A gypsy minor lowers the fourth degree from D to E♭ compared to A harmonic minor. This creates an augmented second between C and E♭. The rest of the notes are identical.