C Hungarian Minor Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
C Hungarian Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Hungarian Minor scale, also known as the Gypsy Minor, is famous for its two wide melodic gaps. On Piano, its notes are C, D, Eb, F#, G, Ab, B. It sounds powerful, mysterious, and perfectly balanced, frequently appearing in classical masterworks and modern melodic metal. Commonly used in Classical, Metal, Klezmer, Film Scores, Gypsy Jazz. Notable players include Franz Liszt, Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, Django Reinhardt. Use over m chords in gypsy jazz and neoclassical metal. Works beautifully over i-V progressions in minor keys.
Notes: C, D, Eb, F#, G, Ab, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 b6 7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play C Hungarian Minor on Piano
On piano, the C Hungarian Minor scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on C and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The C Hungarian Minor scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is Eb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Hungarian Minor scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C to let the characteristic intervals of the Hungarian Minor scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C Hungarian Minor scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The C Hungarian Minor scale contains 7 notes (C, D, Eb, F#, G, Ab, B). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.