gypsy scale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialized/TechnicalFormal to Technical
Quick answer
What does “gypsy scale” mean?
A musical scale also known as the Hungarian minor scale or double harmonic scale, characterized by its two augmented seconds between the 3rd-4th and 6th-7th degrees, often associated with Eastern European, Romani, and Middle Eastern music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical scale also known as the Hungarian minor scale or double harmonic scale, characterized by its two augmented seconds between the 3rd-4th and 6th-7th degrees, often associated with Eastern European, Romani, and Middle Eastern music.
In broader musical contexts, it can refer to any scale evoking a similar exotic or folkloric character. It is used in various genres to create dramatic, passionate, or mysterious moods, and is foundational to certain flamenco and jazz fusion styles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling 'gypsy' is standard in both, though the term's potential offensiveness is recognized on both sides of the Atlantic. In British musical contexts, it might be more directly associated with flamenco guitar traditions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes exoticism, passion, and a specific musical color. The potentially pejorative connotation of 'gypsy' is increasingly a point of discussion in both British and American musical education and discourse.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within music theory, ethnomusicology, and certain performance communities (jazz, flamenco, progressive metal). Frequency is similar in both varieties within these specialized domains.
Grammar
How to Use “gypsy scale” in a Sentence
The [MUSICIAN] employs the gypsy scale in the [SECTION] to create a [MOOD].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gypsy scale” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The guitarist began to gypsy-scale his way through the improvisation.
American English
- She gypsy-scaled that riff to give it a more exotic feel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in music theory, ethnomusicology, and music history papers, often with a note on terminology. Example: 'The so-called "gypsy scale" features prominently in Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used by musicians in casual conversation about music.
Technical
Standard term in music theory, composition, and instrumental pedagogy to denote a specific eight-note scale pattern. Example: 'For the solo, modulate to E and use the gypsy scale over the dominant chord.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gypsy scale”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gypsy scale”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gypsy scale”
- Confusing it with the harmonic minor scale (the gypsy scale has a raised 4th).
- Using it over inappropriate chord progressions.
- Referring to any 'exotic-sounding' scale as a gypsy scale.
- Misspelling as 'gipsy scale' (acceptable British variant, but less common for this term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, as 'gypsy' is considered a derogatory term by many Romani people. The musical scale itself is not offensive, but the name is increasingly seen as outdated. Terms like 'Hungarian minor scale' or 'double harmonic scale' are more precise and neutral alternatives.
In the most common form: G, A, B♭, C♯, D, E♭, F♯, G. It is the fourth mode of the D harmonic minor scale.
It is prominently used in Hungarian folk music (e.g., Liszt), flamenco, certain forms of jazz (especially Django Reinhardt's style), progressive metal, and film scores to evoke exotic, dramatic, or passionate moods.
The gypsy scale (Hungarian minor) is identical to the harmonic minor scale but with a raised fourth degree. For example, A harmonic minor is: A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯, A. A Hungarian minor (gypsy scale) is: A, B, C, D♯, E, F, G♯, A.
A musical scale also known as the Hungarian minor scale or double harmonic scale, characterized by its two augmented seconds between the 3rd-4th and 6th-7th degrees, often associated with Eastern European, Romani, and Middle Eastern music.
Gypsy scale is usually formal to technical in register.
Gypsy scale: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɪpsi skeɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɪpsi skeɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He has all the passion of a gypsy scale.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Minor, but with two spicy, wide steps': The pattern is like a harmonic minor scale, but also raise the 4th degree. Remember: Whole, Half, Augmented, Half, Whole, Half, Augmented, Half.
Conceptual Metaphor
MUSICAL COLOR IS ETHNIC IDENTITY / EXOTICISM IS A MUSICAL MODE
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary characteristic of the gypsy scale?