The G Major scale is one of the most popular scales on the guitar. This likely because the key of G itself is used frequently by guitarists. The chords in the key of G work nicely in the open position, so guitarists naturally gravitate towards using G regularly.
The notes in the G Major scale are:
G – A – B – C – D – E – F#
The G Major scale has one sharp in it. F#.
If you are interested in learning about modes and guitar scales, it should be pointed out that the G Major scale is effectively the same scale as the G ionian scale. For the purpose of the series of lessons on guitar modes, we are going to treat G ionian and G Major as an identical scale.
If you are unsure of what a major scale or ionian mode is, click on the link to the lessons.
Let’s look at the 5 CAGED positions for the G Major scale, as well as the open position.
G Major Scale CAGED Positions
Here are the 5 CAGED positions for the G Major scale on the guitar (notes and tabs).
G Major Scale in the 1st Position (lowest fret is 1)
G Major Scale in the 2nd Position (lowest fret is 2)
G Major Scale in the 2nd Position (lowest fret is 2)
G Major Scale in the 7th Position (lowest fret is 7)
G Major Scale in the 8th Position (lowest fret is 8)
G Major Scale in the 11th Position (lowest fret is 11)
There are all the G Major scale positions on the fretboard.
How to Use the G Major Scale
For the purpose of improvising, the G Major scale can be used over the G Major chord, the G Major 7 chord, as well as other chords within the key of G Major.
Chords in the Key of G Major
The key of G Major contains the following chords (triads and 7th chords):
- G Major/G Major 7
- A minor/A minor 7
- B minor/B minor 7
- C Major/C Major 7
- D Major/D dominant 7
- E minor/E minor 7
- F# diminished/F# half diminished
Modes Of The G Major Scale
There are 7 modes in the key of G. We can produce these modes by playing the notes of the G Major scale, while starting on different notes of the scale. For example, to play the C lydian mode, we start on the note C and then play the notes of the G Major scale. To play the E Aeolian mode, we start on E and play through the notes of the G Major scale.
Here are the 7 modes in the key of G Major:
