The Gypsy scale is somewhat synonymous with the legendary two-fingered guitar master Django Reinhardt. With only one note that separates it from the Harmonic Minor scale, this mysterious and exotic sounding scale will expand the realm of your otherwise more traditional sounding minor blues licks.

Learn the seven positions of the Gypsy Scale along with their diatonic chords. You’ll notice the flattened fifth note as a particularly identifying note of this sound. If I were to classify any scale as an exotic scale I would choose the Gypsy Scale.

This is a great introduction to a genre that most guitar players may not have approached before, and it will expand your vocabulary on the instrument while also building up your dexterity and finger strength. It sounds awesome, and these work as great standalone licks as well.

Understanding the harmony of exotic scales can help you get the most of what a scale has to offer.

Working on expanding your palette of musical taste by incorporating new genres of music is something I always enjoy, and the distinct style of gypsy guitar playing is a great one to dive into. From exotic scales to precise moves on the guitar neck, the gypsy sound is one you’ll be hearing in your...