Explore scales · Ukulele
E gypsy minor scale on ukulele
E gypsy minor runs E, F♯, G, B♭, B, C, D♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 4 for a mid-neck start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the E gypsy minor scale on ukulele?
E gypsy minor 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 E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 3 | G, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 3 | B♭, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E gypsy minor in box 2 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 C string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | B♭, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E gypsy minor in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 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 G string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7 | F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 8 | B♭, B, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 10–12
E gypsy minor in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 11, 12 | B♭, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 10 | G |
Why it sounds like that
Derive it from E harmonic minor by lowering the fourth degree A to B♭, which creates a 1½-step interval between G and B♭. The degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 7. This change produces the characteristic augmented-second colour. Compare with E harmonic minor to hear the shift.
When to use it
E gypsy minor suits E minor or E 5th chords in dark, dramatic contexts. Use it over a E minor vamp to bring out the augmented second. It works in gypsy jazz, metal, and film-score tension. The major seventh D♯ leads strongly back to E.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 3, fret 4 and covers frets 0–3, giving you a comfortable mid-neck position that connects well to open chords.
Common questions
What notes are in E gypsy minor?
The notes are E, F♯, G, B♭, B, C, and D♯. The scale has a minor third, flat fifth, and major seventh. These intervals create its distinctive sound.
Which chords fit E gypsy minor?
E gypsy minor fits E minor and E 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 E gypsy minor different from E harmonic minor?
E gypsy minor lowers the fourth degree from A to B♭ compared to E harmonic minor. This creates an augmented second between G and B♭. The other notes remain the same.