Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ gypsy major scale on ukulele
F♯ gypsy major uses F♯, G, A♯, B, C♯, D, E♯. The 2–6 Box 1 grip puts the root on string 3, fret 6.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the F♯ gypsy major scale on ukulele?
F♯ gypsy major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 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 E string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2 | C♯, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 3 | E♯, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 6–9
F♯ gypsy major in box 2 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 C string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7 | F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9 | E♯, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ gypsy major is built as F♯ phrygian dominant with the seventh raised from E to E♯. The scale follows 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. Its step pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, 1½, H. Compare it with F♯ phrygian dominant.
When to use it
Use F♯ gypsy major over an F♯ major or F♯ 5th chord for a sharp ♭2 and ♭6 colour. It fits F♯, G, A♯, B, C♯, D, E♯ harmony. Try it in Middle Eastern or fusion styles. See F♯ major and C♯ 7th flat 5.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on string 3, fret 6 and covers frets 1–4, setting up the Box 2 shift.
Common questions
What notes are in F♯ gypsy major?
F♯, G, A♯, B, C♯, D, E♯. The scale has a major third and a raised seventh. It is also called Byzantine. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit F♯ gypsy major?
F♯ major and F♯ 5th work as tonic chords. C♯ 7th flat 5 fits the fifth degree. D augmented matches the ♭6.
How does F♯ gypsy major differ from F♯ phrygian dominant?
F♯ gypsy major raises the seventh from E to E♯. This creates a leading tone to the tonic. The rest of the scale is identical.