Explore scales · Ukulele
D hungarian gypsy scale on ukulele
D Hungarian Gypsy uses D, E, F, G♯, A, B♭, C. Box 1 places the F–G♯ stretch across frets 0–3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the D hungarian gypsy scale on ukulele?
D 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 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D hungarian gypsy 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 C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
D hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5 | E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 6 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
D hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 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 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 10 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 11 | F, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
D Hungarian Gypsy raises the fourth degree of D natural minor from G to G♯. That creates an augmented second between F and G♯. The scale retains the minor third, flat sixth, and flat seventh. Compare with D natural minor to hear the raised fourth.
When to use it
D Hungarian Gypsy works over D minor or D 5th chords when you want a sharper fourth. The G♯ resolves up to A, so use it before the fifth. It suits Eastern European and jazz fusion. Try D minor or D 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. Its roots on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5 keep the scale in frets 0–3 and make the F–G♯ stretch manageable.
Common questions
Which notes differ from D natural minor?
Only the fourth degree changes. D natural minor has G, while D Hungarian Gypsy has G♯. The other six notes are identical. That single change creates the augmented second.
Can I use D Hungarian Gypsy over a D minor chord?
Yes, the chord tones D, F, and A are in the scale. The G♯ adds tension that resolves to A. Use it as a passing tone rather than a sustained note.
Why is there a three-fret gap between F and G♯?
The interval is an augmented second, equal to three frets. It comes from raising the fourth degree of natural minor. This gap gives the scale its Hungarian Gypsy character.