G major scale
The G major scale, with its single sharp (F♯), is often one of the first scales that musicians learn after mastering C major. Its bright and open sound has made it a popular choice for folk music, particularly in string-based compositions.
The scale follows the major scale pattern: G to A (whole), A to B (whole), B to C (half), C to D (whole), D to E (whole), E to F♯ (whole), and F♯ to G (half). The addition of F♯ introduces students to their first sharp key signature.
G major is particularly well-suited for guitar and violin music due to its natural resonance with the open strings of these instruments. Its single sharp makes it an excellent bridge between C major and more complex key signatures.
G major scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
- Formula
- 2-2-1-2-2-2-1
- Also known as
- G Ionian scale, G Ionian mode
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the G major scale. Or browse all piano scales.
G harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
G Ionian scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
G melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1
G natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2