eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Play the Spanish Gypsy Scale on the Guitar

Contributor
By Lars Tramilton
eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

If you would like to expand your scale knowledge on the guitar, the Spanish gypsy scale is a great to learn. The flat second and sharp third degrees give this scale a very unusual sound. You can use this scale when soloing or you can even base a completely new song idea on it. Experimenting with new scales is a very effective device for unlocking inspiration. It will keep your creative juices flowing.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • guitar
  1. Step 1

    Begin the scale by playing the fifth fret of the sixth string (low E string) with your middle finger. This is the root note of the A Spanish gypsy scale.

  2. Step 2

    Using your ring finger, play the sixth fret of the sixth string. This is the note B flat, the flat second degree of the A Spanish gypsy scale. This note gives the scale its dark and exotic sound.

  3. Step 3

    Play the fourth fret of the fifth string (A string) with your forefinger. This is the note C sharp, the sharp third degree of the A Spanish gypsy scale.

  4. Step 4

    Play the fifth fret of the fifth string (A string) with your forefinger. This is the note D, fourth degree of the A Spanish gypsy scale.

  5. Step 5

    Use your ring finger to play the seventh fret of the fifth string. This is the note E, fifth degree of the A Spanish gypsy scale.

  6. Step 6

    Play the eighth fret of the fifth string with your pinky. This is the note F, the sixth degree of the A Spanish gypsy scale.

  7. Step 7

    Play the fifth fret of the fourth string (D string) with your pinky. This is the note G, the seventh degree of the A Spanish gypsy scale.

  8. Step 8

    Use your ring finger to play the seventh fret of the fourth string. This is the note A, the final degree of the A Spanish gypsy scale. This note is one octave higher than the root note you played in step one.

  9. Step 9

    Play the scale in reverse. Play steps 8 through 1 in reverse order to complete the scale. That's it. You now know how to play an A Spanish gypsy scale on the guitar!

Tips & Warnings
  • Try using this scale when soloing in a minor key to add a unique flavor to your playing!
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Arts & Entertainment Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Arts and Entertainment