E Hungarian Minor scale
The E Hungarian Minor scale is a 7-note hungarian minor scale built on the root E. Its notes are E, F♯, G, B♭, B, C and E♭. Harmonic minor with a raised fourth — eastern European folk and metal favourite. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make E Hungarian Minor a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Hungarian minor is a staple of eastern European folk and gypsy jazz. The two augmented seconds make it instantly recognisable and dramatic. Built on the root E, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where E is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The E Hungarian Minor scale follows harmonic minor with a raised fourth degree, producing two augmented seconds. Step pattern: W - H - W+H - H - H - W+H - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 4A · 5P · 6m · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
E Hungarian Minor on the piano
E Hungarian Minor on the guitar
E Hungarian Minor on the staff
Hear the E Hungarian Minor scale
Notes of the E Hungarian Minor scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | F♯(F#) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | G |
| 4 | 4A | 6 | B♭(Bb) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | C |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | E♭(Eb) |
Diatonic chords of E Hungarian Minor
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the E Hungarian Minor scale
The diatonic chords of E Hungarian Minor are: i = Em, II = F♯, III+ = G+, IV = B♭, V = B, VI = C, vii = E♭m. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E Hungarian Minor. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Hungarian minor is a staple of eastern European folk and gypsy jazz. The two augmented seconds make it instantly recognisable and dramatic.
Practice tips
The two augmented seconds (♭3 to ♯4 and ♭6 to 7) are tricky to play smoothly. Drill them slowly with a metronome before attempting full scale runs.
Famous songs in this key
E Hungarian Minor appears throughout hungarian minor is a staple of eastern european folk and gypsy jazz. the two augmented seconds make it instantly recognisable and dramatic. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to E Hungarian Minor
Once you are comfortable with E Hungarian Minor, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E Hungarian Minor and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Hungarian Minor scale?
What is the formula for the E Hungarian Minor scale?
Is E Hungarian Minor a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E Hungarian Minor scale?
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Take E Hungarian Minor into your music
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