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 3, fret 1.
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 1 to fret 4, 9 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 C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2 | C♯, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 4 | B♯, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
C♯ gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 6, 7 | B♯, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 8 | A, B♯ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, E♯ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
C♯ gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9 | G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9, 10 | B♯, C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | 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 A♭ 7th flat 5.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on string 3, fret 1 and covers frets 1–4, 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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit C♯ gypsy major?
C♯ major and C♯ 5th work as tonic chords. A♭ 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.