Major
G Major Scale on Piano
G major has one sharp, F#. It is usually the next scale students learn after C, and it uses the same fingering: in the right hand, F# falls under finger 4.
Notes of the G Major Scale
| Degree | Note | Interval from root |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | Root |
| 2 | A | Major 2nd |
| 3 | B | Major 3rd |
| 4 | C | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | D | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | E | Major 6th |
| 7 | F# | Major 7th |
| 8 | G | Octave |
W-W-H-W-W-W-HW · W · H · W · W · W · HThe major pattern starting on G. The half steps fall between B and C (degrees 3–4) and between F# and G (degrees 7–8).
W = whole step, H = half step.
G Major on the Staff
One octave ascending in treble clef with the key signature of G major (1 sharp: F#).
Fingering
- 1G
- 2A
- 3B
- 1C
- 2D
- 3E
- 4F#
- 5G
- 5G
- 4A
- 3B
- 2C
- 1D
- 3E
- 2F#
- 1G
Numbers indicate fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little. Both rows are shown in ascending order (low note to high note). Note the left hand starts on the pinky (5) at the lowest note and crosses the middle finger over the thumb to continue upward — that is why the left-hand numbers count down before cycling again.
Diatonic Chords in G Major
The seven triads built on each scale degree. They use only the notes of this scale; real pieces often add chords with altered notes as well.
Where You Hear This Scale
G is a common key in folk and bluegrass, where G and D are open strings on the guitar. A classic first piano piece in this key is the Minuet in G from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach. Listen for F# at the top of the scale: it leads up a half step into G.
Train Your Ear to Recognize This Scale
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