Explore scales · Ukulele
C gypsy major scale on ukulele
C gypsy major uses C, D♭, E, F, G, A♭, B. The 1–5 Box 1 grip puts the root on string 4, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the C gypsy major scale on ukulele?
C gypsy major 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 C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1 | G, A♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1 | C, D♭ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C 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 G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 6 | B, C, D♭ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 7 | A♭, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | D♭, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
C gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8 | G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 9 | B, C, D♭ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Why it sounds like that
C gypsy major is built as C phrygian dominant with the seventh raised from B♭ to B. The scale follows 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. Its step pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, 1½, H. Compare it with C phrygian dominant.
When to use it
Use C gypsy major over a C major or C 5th chord for a sharp ♭2 and ♭6 colour. It fits C, D♭, E, F, G, A♭, B harmony. Try it in Middle Eastern or fusion styles. See C major and G 7th flat 5.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on string 4, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3, setting up the Box 2 shift.
Common questions
What notes are in C gypsy major?
C, D♭, E, F, G, A♭, B. The scale has a major third and a raised seventh. It is also called Byzantine.
Which chords fit C gypsy major?
C major and C 5th work as tonic chords. G 7th flat 5 fits the fifth degree. A♭ augmented matches the ♭6.
How does C gypsy major differ from C phrygian dominant?
C gypsy major raises the seventh from B♭ to B. This creates a leading tone to the tonic. The rest of the scale is identical.