A Hungarian Minor is a exotic scale from the dark, expressive minor family. Harmonic minor with a raised 4th — 'Gypsy Minor.' The Hungarian Minor scale contains 7 notes: A, B, C, Eb, E, F, G#. With a formula of 1 - 2 - b3 - b5 - 5 - #5 - 7, it uses all seven notes of the diatonic system. This advanced scale opens up sophisticated harmonic possibilities.

The A Hungarian Minor scale is constructed using the interval formula 1 - 2 - b3 - b5 - 5 - #5 - 7, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Major Second (2), Minor Third (b3), Tritone (b5/#4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Seventh (7) above the root A. The notes are A, B, C, Eb, E, F, G#. Starting from the A major scale (A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#), the Hungarian Minor scale modifies the major scale with b3, b5, #5 intervals to create its minor quality. Key characteristics: Two augmented 2nds. Distinctly Eastern European.

A Hungarian Minor sounds dark, melancholic, and introspective. The minor third (C) is the defining interval — one half step lower than a major third — creating a somber, emotional quality. The tritone (Eb) adds tension and darkness. The emotional feeling is one of depth, contemplation, and emotional seriousness. This scale family is essential for conveying sadness, introspection, and dramatic intensity.

A Hungarian Minor works best in World, Eastern European, Folk music. Use it over minor chord progressions for dark, emotional melodies. It excels over i-iv-v progressions and power chord riffs. Compatible chords and progressions: 1. i - IV - V 2. i - #iv° Related scales: - Harmonic Minor - Ukrainian Dorian - Double Harmonic Major

Practice Routine for A Hungarian Minor: 5 minutes: Play each note of the A Hungarian Minor scale slowly, one at a time. Listen carefully to the character of each interval. Ascending and descending through the scale. Focus on clean, even tone on each note. 10 minutes: Practice the scale with a metronome at 60 BPM. Play one note per beat ascending, then descending. Gradually increase to two notes per beat (eighth notes) and four notes per beat (sixteenth notes). Focus on timing precision. 20 minutes: Apply the scale over a backing track in A minor. Improvise melodies using only the Hungarian Minor scale notes. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, slides, bends, and vibrato. Focus on musical phrasing. 30 minutes: Learn the scale in multiple positions across the fretboard. Connect different positions with smooth transitions. Practice playing the scale over a chord progression (i - IV - V). Record yourself and analyze your phrasing. Common Mistakes to Avoid: - Playing too fast before understanding the scale's sound character - Not listening to the intervals individually - Ignoring the scale's unique character (each scale has a distinctive mood) - Skipping the descending practice — descending is equally important Advanced Tips: Explore the scale's modes and related scales. Practice with odd time signatures and asymmetric rhythms. Use the scale over non-standard chord progressions to discover new sounds.