E♯ Gypsy Major scale
The E♯ Gypsy Major scale is a 7-note gypsy major scale built on the root E♯. Its notes are E♯, F♯, G𝄪, A♯, B♯, C♯ and D𝄪. Exotic major scale with augmented seconds - used in Romani and Balkan music. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make E♯ Gypsy Major a great tool for improvising and composing.
Gypsy major lives in Romani and Balkan music - swaggering exotic feel that works great for virtuoso violin and accordion lines. 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♯ Gypsy Major scale follows an exotic major scale built on augmented seconds and characteristic chromatic motion. Step pattern: H - W+H - H - W - H - W+H - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
E♯ Gypsy Major on the piano
E♯ Gypsy Major on the guitar
E♯ Gypsy Major on the staff
Hear the E♯ Gypsy Major scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the E♯ Gypsy Major scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E♯(E#) |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | F♯(F#) |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | G𝄪(G##) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A♯(A#) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B♯(B#) |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | C♯(C#) |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | D𝄪(D##) |
Diatonic chords of E♯ Gypsy Major
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♯ Gypsy Major scale
The diatonic chords of E♯ Gypsy Major are: I = E♯, II = F♯, iii = G𝄪m, iv = A♯m, V = B♯, VI+ = C♯+, VII = D𝄪. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E♯ Gypsy Major. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Gypsy major lives in Romani and Balkan music - swaggering exotic feel that works great for virtuoso violin and accordion lines.
Practice tips
Treat those augmented second intervals as expressive elements rather than obstacles. Let them ornament your phrases.
Famous songs
E♯ Gypsy Major appears throughout gypsy major lives in romani and balkan music - swaggering exotic feel that works great for virtuoso violin and accordion lines. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to E♯ Gypsy Major
Once you are comfortable with E♯ Gypsy Major, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E♯ Gypsy Major and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E♯ Gypsy Major scale?
What is the formula for the E♯ Gypsy Major scale?
Is E♯ Gypsy Major a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E♯ Gypsy Major scale?
Which genres use E♯ Gypsy Major?
How do I practise the E♯ Gypsy Major scale?
Take E♯ Gypsy Major into your music
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