Another exotic scale question

gigslut · #1 04-19-2012, 09:58 AM

I used to play with this scale years ago but couldn't get anyone interested in working with it. I think it was called "gypsy minor".

1 2 m3 #4 5 b6 (maj)7

Any background on origins of this scale? Can you think of any work, old or new, that employs this scale, that I can point out to doubters of its "legitimacy".

Art Araya · #2 04-19-2012, 01:39 PM

Well I can answer part of your question. This scale is most commonly known as either "Gypsy Minor", "Hungarian Minor", "Double Harmonic Minor"...

It's also a mode of other scales. I can provide you with that information as well if you need.

It's basically a harmonic minor scale with a raised 4th degree.

Here's more info on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy_minor_scale

gigslut · #3 04-19-2012, 08:15 PM

Thanks! Google led me to a similar scale, but with a flatted 7th, and I knew that wasn't the scale I was thinking of. So Satch used this, I'll have to check that out.

Art Araya · #4 04-20-2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gigslut

Thanks! Google led me to a similar scale, but with a flatted 7th, and I knew that wasn't the scale I was thinking of. So Satch used this, I'll have to check that out.

The version with the b7 (1,2,b3,#4,5,b6,b7,8) is also a gypsy scale.

It's known as the Hungarian Gypsy scale or the Ciprian scale.

iopieriskalis · #5 11-01-2012, 02:30 AM

The scale you mentioned: harmonic minor w raised 4th (my name for it is 'Niaventi') was the scale I learned my first songs in.

Now, if you start that scale from the 5th, you get the Phrygian Dominant with raised 7th; 'Gypsy Minor Scale' (which I am used to calling 'Hijas Ska'). And that is the one I usually play nowadays.

I have examples on my youtube: youtube.com/WorldConquerorsEoi (you asked for example songs, many there)

Also, another one you may want to try: instead of harmonic minor with RAISED 4th, try it with a DIMINISHD 4th. That would be known as 'Sambach Sk' (in Greek)

iopieriskalis · #6 11-13-2012, 02:59 AM

Here's a link to recent live performance video I did demonstrating the scale (Harmonic Minor with raised 4th) in songs 3 & 4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsZg1SaQQ88

(copy/paste into browser if link wont work)

4 songs; and the FIRST 2 are in Natural Minor with DIMINISHED 4th. (tho it is ok to raise the 7th. Indeed, the riff in 2nd song at intro & between verses incorporates that)

Guimdonatron · #7 12-02-2012, 01:38 PM

What do you mean by "its legitimacy?" If it fits, it fits. 1 b2 can be a groovy set to use. It doesn't matter if it has been used often by other people unless you just want to personally expand your perception on the scale. However, if you just want references to show people that it can be groovy... why not just use the tool strapped on you and in your hands? Your bass! Groove the scale out and show your fellow cats it's kickin'. If you can't personally groove the scale hard, then why try and get other people to?