What You Need To Know About How To Play The G Major Scale

In today’s lesson, we’ll explore the G major scale on the guitar, which happens to be one of the most commonly used scales. We’ll go through the intervals and individual notes that build this scale, and explore its five different positions and patterns on the fretboard.

Let’s jump right in!

What Notes form the G Major Scale

The G major scale consists of seven different notes arranged in a specific sequence:

G – A – B – C – D – E – F#

It’s important to note that the scale includes one sharp note (F#) and six natural notes.

Intervals

Every major scale shares the same intervallic structure, ensuring consistent interval qualities across all scales. Here are the intervals present in the G major scale:

Root – Major 2nd – Major 3rd – Perfect 4th – Perfect 5th – Major 6th – Major 7th

Scale Structure

Every major scale follows a consistent pattern of whole steps and half steps between its notes. For the G major scale, the sequence is as follows:

Whole Step – Whole Step – Half Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Half Step

When playing on the guitar, a whole step spans across 2 frets, while a half step spans across 1 fret. This pattern becomes clearer when visualizing the scale on the fretboard.

G Major Scale Guitar Positions

The diagrams below will show each position with the recommended fingering one by one.

Position 1

To begin Position 1 of the G major scale, start with the low root note positioned on the 3rd fret of the 6th string. From there, play each note in sequence, moving upward and downward, until you return to the same root note you started with. Refer to the guitar tab provided below for guidance.

Pay attention to the pattern of root notes within this position. Position 1 includes three root notes located on strings 1, 4, and 6.

Position 2

Next, you’ll find the starting point on the 4th string, the 5th fret—the low root note. Begin your practice of the scale pattern from this note. 

Within this position, there are two root notes situated on strings 4 and 2.

Position 3

This position starts at fret 10 of the 5th string, and the 3rd position of the G major scale takes root. Within this position, you’ll discover two root notes situated on strings 2 and 5.

Position 4

In this position, you’ll encounter two root notes positioned on strings 3 and 5. Initiate your scale from the root note situated at the 10th fret of the 5th string.

Position 5

As you see, this is a unique position as it also features three root notes, located on strings 1, 3, and 6. Commence playing this scale position from the root note positioned on the 6th string.

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Author: Daniel Powers Jr, the founder of Real Brave™, serves as the chief inspiration to thousands of students in the Real Brave music instruction program. He’s also the visionary behind PracticePad™, an online platform for live one-on-one online music lessons, lesson tracking, and scheduling. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Daniel leads a non-profit organization that provides formerly homeless children with access to music education, making a profound impact on their lives. His unwavering dedication to music, innovation, and education continues to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential while creating positive change in communities. Follow Real Brave on all the socials:

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