The Gipsy Hungarian Scale (Hungarian Minor)

The Gipsy Hungarian scale, usually called Hungarian Minor, is harmonic minor with a raised fourth: 1 2 b3 #4 5 b6 7. That gives it two augmented seconds, one just above the minor third and one between the b6 and the 7.

It is a dramatic sound from the exotic scale family. Choose your key to see the notes and shapes, or browse more exotic guitar scales.

C Gipsy Hungarian Scale guitar diagram, box pattern position 1

C Gipsy Hungarian Scale: box pattern, position 1

Structure

How the gipsy hungarian scale is built:

The gipsy hungarian scale is built from the degrees 1 2 b3 #4 5 b6 7, which gives the step pattern W-H-W+H-H-H-W+H-H (W = whole step, H = half step).

Counting in semitones from the root: 0, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11. That makes it a 7-note scale.

It is also known as Hungarian Minor.

Choose a key

C Gipsy Hungarian C# Gipsy Hungarian D Gipsy Hungarian Eb Gipsy Hungarian E Gipsy Hungarian F Gipsy Hungarian F# Gipsy Hungarian G Gipsy Hungarian Ab Gipsy Hungarian A Gipsy Hungarian Bb Gipsy Hungarian B Gipsy Hungarian

The Gipsy Hungarian Scale at a glance

Also known as	Hungarian Minor
Formula	1 2 b3 #4 5 b6 7
Step pattern	W-H-W+H-H-H-W+H-H
Notes	7
Sound	Dramatic, passionate minor colour with two wide augmented seconds.
Used for	Minor-key solos.
Chords to try in C	Cm, Cm(maj7)

Scales close to Gipsy Hungarian

Persian: shares 4 notes
Bizantine Scale: shares 4 notes
Ukrainian Dorian: shares 5 notes
Harmonic Minor Scale: 4 instead of #4

More Exotic Scales

Indian Scale Japanese Scale Neapolitan Major Persian Bizantine Scale Major Locrian

Keep learning

Created by

Giancarlo Facoetti

Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher

FAQ

What is the Gipsy Hungarian Scale?

Dramatic, passionate minor colour with two wide augmented seconds. Its formula is 1 2 b3 #4 5 b6 7, a 7-note scale. Typical use: Minor-key solos.

What are the notes of the C Gipsy Hungarian scale?

The C Gipsy Hungarian scale is C, D, Eb, F#, G, Ab, B.

What chords can I play the Gipsy Hungarian Scale over?

In the key of C, try Cm and Cm(maj7).