G Hungarian Major Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
G Hungarian Major in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The G Hungarian Major scale is a heptatonic scale that provides an Eastern European dominant sound. On Guitar, the notes are G, A#, B, C#, D, E, F. 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: G, A#, B, C#, D, E, F
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
Tuning: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
About Half Step Down Tuning
Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.
The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.
Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana
Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes
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.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Hungarian Major in Standard Tuning
- G Hungarian Major in Drop D
- G Hungarian Major in DADGAD
- G Hungarian Major in Open G
- G Hungarian Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Hungarian Major in 7-string
- G Hungarian Major in 8-string
- G Hungarian Major in Drop C
- G Hungarian Major in Drop B
- G Hungarian Major in Open D
- G Hungarian Major in Open E
- G Hungarian Major in Open A
- G Hungarian Major in Double Drop D
- G Hungarian Major in Open C