Explore scales · Ukulele
G gypsy major scale on ukulele
G gypsy major uses G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, F♯. The 1–5 Box 1 grip puts the root on string 2, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the G gypsy major scale on ukulele?
G gypsy major 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 G string at fret 0 and the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1 | G, A♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
G gypsy major 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 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3 | D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4 | F♯, G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
G gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8 | D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8 | G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
G gypsy major is built as G phrygian dominant with the seventh raised from F to F♯. The scale follows 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. Its step pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, 1½, H. Compare it with G phrygian dominant.
When to use it
Use G gypsy major over a G major or G 5th chord for a sharp ♭2 and ♭6 colour. It fits G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, F♯ harmony. Try it in Middle Eastern or fusion styles. See G major and D 7th flat 5.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on string 2, fret 3 and covers frets 0–3, setting up the Box 2 shift.
Common questions
What notes are in G gypsy major?
G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, F♯. The scale has a major third and a raised seventh. It is also called Byzantine.
Which chords fit G gypsy major?
G major and G 5th work as tonic chords. D 7th flat 5 fits the fifth degree. E♭ augmented matches the ♭6.
How does G gypsy major differ from G phrygian dominant?
G gypsy major raises the seventh from F to F♯. This creates a leading tone to the tonic. The rest of the scale is identical.