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G hungarian gypsy scale on ukulele
G Hungarian Gypsy uses G, A, B♭, C♯, D, E♭, F. The B♭–C♯ stretch is the widest interval in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the G hungarian gypsy scale on ukulele?
G hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 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 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 3 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G hungarian gypsy in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the C string at fret 3 up to E♭ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 6 | B♭, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5 | E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 6 | C♯, D, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the C string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 8 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 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, 10 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
G hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the G string at fret 12 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 11 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G Hungarian Gypsy raises the fourth degree of G natural minor from C to C♯. That creates an augmented second between B♭ and C♯. The scale keeps the minor third, flat sixth, and flat seventh. See G natural minor for the unaltered form.
When to use it
G Hungarian Gypsy works over G minor or G 5th chords when you want a brighter fourth. The C♯ resolves up to D, so use it before the fifth. It suits Eastern European and jazz fusion. Try G minor or G 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. Its root on string 2, fret 3 keeps the scale in frets 1–4 and places the B♭–C♯ stretch in a comfortable position.
Common questions
Which notes differ from G natural minor?
Only the fourth degree changes. G natural minor has C, while G Hungarian Gypsy has C♯. The other six notes are identical. That single change creates the augmented second.
Can I use G Hungarian Gypsy over a G minor chord?
Yes, the chord tones G, B♭, and D are in the scale. The C♯ adds tension that resolves to D. Use it as a passing tone rather than a sustained note.
Why is there a three-fret gap between B♭ and C♯?
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.