Explore scales · Ukulele
C gypsy minor scale on ukulele
C gypsy minor runs C, D, E♭, G♭, G, A♭, B. Box 1 starts the root on string 4, fret 5 for an accessible low shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the C gypsy minor scale on ukulele?
C 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 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, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | G♭, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C gypsy minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3 | D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4 | G♭, G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C gypsy minor in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G♭ on the C string at fret 6 up to G♭ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8 | D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 8 | G♭, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 9 | E♭, G♭ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C gypsy minor in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the C string at fret 8 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 11 | E♭, G♭ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 11 | A♭, B |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 11 | G♭, G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
Derive it from C harmonic minor by lowering the fourth degree F to G♭, which creates a 1½-step interval between E♭ and G♭. The degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 7. This change produces the characteristic augmented-second colour. Compare with C harmonic minor to hear the shift.
When to use it
C gypsy minor suits C minor or C 5th chords in dark, dramatic contexts. Use it over a C minor vamp to bring out the augmented second. It works in gypsy jazz, metal, and film-score tension. The major seventh B leads strongly back to C.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3, giving you a comfortable mid-neck position that connects well to open chords.
Common questions
What notes are in C gypsy minor?
The notes are C, D, E♭, G♭, G, A♭, and B. The scale has a minor third, flat fifth, and major seventh. These intervals create its distinctive sound.
Which chords fit C gypsy minor?
C gypsy minor fits C minor and C 5th chords. The scale contains a minor third and perfect fifth, so it works over a minor tonic. The flat fifth adds tension.
How is C gypsy minor different from C harmonic minor?
C gypsy minor lowers the fourth degree from F to G♭ compared to C harmonic minor. This creates an augmented second between E♭ and G♭. The other notes remain the same.