What is the B Hungarian Minor Scale?

The Hungarian Minor scale features two augmented 2nds, creating an intensely dramatic, theatrical sound. This double dose of exotic intervals makes it one of the most emotionally intense scales available.

Interval Pattern: W-H-3H-H-H-3H-H

Scale Notes and Intervals

B Hungarian Minor

Dramatic
B 1
C# 2
D 3
E# 4
F# 5
G 6
A# 7
Notes:
B -C# -D -E# -F# -G -A#
Intervals:
WHAHHA H

Keyboard Visualization

How to Play B Hungarian Minor on Piano

Scale Properties

Mood

Dramatic

Character

Gypsy, theatrical

Genres

Classical, Metal, World

Notes in Scale

7 notes: B, C#, D, E#, F#, G, A#

Category

Hungarian

Intervals

W-H-3H-H-H-3H-H

History and Origins

The Background of the Hungarian Minor Scale

Rooted in Hungarian folk music and Romani (Gypsy) traditions. Composers like Liszt and Brahms incorporated it into classical works, and it later found a home in neoclassical metal for its dramatic intensity.

Musical Characteristics

Key Features of the B Hungarian Minor Scale

  • Two augmented 2nd intervals
  • Extremely dramatic and theatrical
  • Double exotic flavor
  • Perfect for intense emotional expression

Famous Songs Using This Scale

Popular Tracks in B Hungarian Minor

  • Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 - Liszt
  • Metal neoclassical solos
  • Romantic era classical pieces

Playing Tips

How to Practice the B Hungarian Minor Scale

The two augmented 2nds (between b3-#4 and b6-7) are what give this scale its intense character. Use for maximum drama. Works over minor chords when you want theatrical intensity.

Circle of Fifths Position

B in the Circle of Fifths

CGDAEBF#C#AbEbA#E#AmEmBmF#mC#mG#mD#mA#mE#mCmGmDmBminor
Major
Minor
Selected

Transpose to Other Keys

Hungarian Minor Scale in All 12 Keys

Related Scales

Similar Scales in the Key of B

Scale Diagram

B Hungarian Minor Keyboard Diagram

B Hungarian Minor scale shown on piano keyboard with notes B, C#, D, E#, F#, G, A# highlighted