G Sharp Major Scale (G Sharp Ionian) on the Guitar – 5 CAGED Positions, Tabs and Theory

The notes in the G# major scale are as follows:

G# – A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – Fx

The G Sharp Major Scale is a tricky scale from a theoretical point of view. It contains 6 sharps and 1 double sharp. For this reason, the key of A flat is used more often than the key of G sharp. A flat and G sharp are actually enharmonically the same, therefore it makes a lot more sense to deal with A flat whenever possible. If you are new to Major scales or still trying to get used to the concept, I would recommend skipping G Sharp and focusing on A flat major.

Having said that, for the sake of being thorough, it is worth looking at the G Sharp major scale and all the positions along the guitar fretboard.

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.

the x symbol represents a double sharp (two semitones).

Let’s look at the G# major scale in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:

G# Major Scale In The Open Position

Let’s look at the G# Major scale in the open position (notes and tabs).

G Sharp Major Scale Open Position Frets
G Sharp Major Scale Open Position Notes

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 3rd Position (lowest fret is 3)

G Sharp Major Scale 3rd Position Frets
G Sharp Major Scale 3rd Position Notes

G# Major Scale in the 4th Position (lowest fret is 4)

G Sharp Major Scale 4th Position Frets
G Sharp Major Scale 4th Position Notes

G# Major Scale in the 8th Position (lowest fret is 8)

G Sharp Major Scale 8th Position Frets
G Sharp Major Scale 8th Position Notes

G# Major Scale in the 9th Position (lowest fret is 9)

G Sharp Major Scale 9th Position Frets
G Sharp Major Scale 9th Position Notes

G# Major Scale in the 12th Position (lowest fret is 12)

G Sharp Major Scale 12th Position Frets
G Sharp Major Scale 12th Position Notes

That is all the positions along the guitar fretboard for the key of G sharp.

For more information on major scales check out the post a complete guide to Major scales on the guitar.

Here are the 7 modes in the key of G# Major:

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