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C hungarian gypsy scale on ukulele
C Hungarian Gypsy uses C, D, E♭, F♯, G, A♭, B♭. The E♭–F♯ jump is the widest interval in Box 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the C hungarian gypsy scale on ukulele?
C hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C hungarian gypsy in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3 | D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4 | F♯, G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ 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 | F♯, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 9 | E♭, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C hungarian gypsy 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♭, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 11 | F♯, G, A♭ |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
C hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 12 | B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
C Hungarian Gypsy is C natural minor with the fourth degree raised from F to F♯. That creates an augmented second between E♭ and F♯. The scale keeps the minor third, flat sixth, and flat seventh. See C natural minor for the unaltered form.
When to use it
C Hungarian Gypsy works over C minor or C 5th chords when you want a brighter fourth. The F♯ resolves up to G, so use it before the fifth. It fits Eastern European and experimental music. Try C minor or C 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 2. Its root on string 4, fret 5 and string 2, fret 8 covers frets 2–5 and places the E♭–F♯ stretch in a comfortable position.
Common questions
Which notes differ from C natural minor?
Only the fourth degree changes. C natural minor has F, while C Hungarian Gypsy has F♯. The other six notes are identical. That single change creates the augmented second.
Can I use C Hungarian Gypsy over a C minor chord?
Yes, the chord tones C, E♭, and G are in the scale. The F♯ adds tension that resolves to G. Use it as a passing tone rather than a sustained note.
Why is the scale called Hungarian Gypsy?
The name comes from its use in Hungarian Romani music. The augmented second gives it a distinctive Eastern European sound. It is also known as the Hungarian minor scale.