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