Scale
C Hungarian Minor Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
C · D · E♭ · F♯ · G · A♭ · B
Root: C
Intervals
1 · 2 · ♭3 · ♯4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on C and applies the intervals 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, 7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About C Hungarian Minor Scale
C Hungarian Minor Scale uses the notes C, D, E♭, F♯, G, A♭, B. Its character is dark and dramatic, with a raised fourth and two augmented-second spans.
Character and sound
Dark and dramatic, with a raised fourth and two augmented-second spans.
Musical context and history
So-called Hungarian minor is a Western-theory label for a strongly chromatic scale color. It is used as a resource in classical music, metal, jazz and film scoring rather than as a standard functional key system.
How and where it is used
Use it for virtuosic lines, riffs, exotic color and minor chords with raised tensions.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on C. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · 2 · ♭3 · ♯4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7 and, from C, produces the notes C · D · E♭ · F♯ · G · A♭ · B.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Hungarian Minor Scale?
The notes are C, D, E♭, F♯, G, A♭, B.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · 2 · ♭3 · ♯4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Dark and dramatic, with a raised fourth and two augmented-second spans. Use it for virtuosic lines, riffs, exotic color and minor chords with raised tensions.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.