E Hungarian Major Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
E Hungarian Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Hungarian Major scale is a heptatonic scale that provides an Eastern European dominant sound. On Piano, the notes are E, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D. It offers a unique, exotic brightness that is excellent for adding cultural character to a composition. Commonly used in Classical, Eastern European Folk, Film Scores. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Zoltan Kodaly. Use over dominant chords in Eastern European folk contexts. Adds cultural character to compositions.
Notes: E, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 b7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A major scale with both a #4 (Lydian) and b7 (Mixolydian) plus an added b3 — creating an Eastern European dominant color unlike any standard Western mode.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Classical, Eastern European Folk, Film Scores
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Zoltan Kodaly
How to Use the E Hungarian Major Scale
Use over dominant chords in Eastern European folk contexts. Adds cultural character to compositions.
Origin & Background
Collected and studied by Bela Bartok during his ethnomusicological research in rural Hungary.
How to Play E Hungarian Major on Piano
On piano, the E Hungarian Major scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on E and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The E Hungarian Major scale contains 3 sharps (G#, A#, C#). Its relative minor is C# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the E Hungarian Major scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Hungarian Major scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in eastern european folk contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the E Hungarian Major 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. Aim for a exotic quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The E Hungarian Major scale contains 7 notes (E, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.