G minor pentatonic scale on guitar
The G minor pentatonic scale has 5 notes: G, B♭, C, D and F. The most-used soloing scale in rock and blues. Five notes, no half steps between them, and a shape that sits under the fingers: it is usually the first scale guitarists learn.
Notes in G minor pentatonic
- Formula
- 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7
- Step pattern
- W+H – W – W – W+H – W
- Notes
- 5
Tap a note to hear it.
G minor pentatonic across the neck
Every G minor pentatonic note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, G. A good place to start: G on the low E string is at fret 3, so play the notes between frets 2 and 6 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from G |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | Root |
| ♭3 | B♭ | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | C | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | D | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | F | Minor 7th |
Chords to play G minor pentatonic over
The G minor pentatonic scale fits the main chords of the G minor key:
It is also the classic choice over a twelve-bar blues in G: G7, C7, D7.
Related scales
- It uses exactly the same five notes as B♭ major pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
- Add the ♭5 for G blues, or fill in the 2nd and ♭6th for G minor.
Questions
What notes are in the G minor pentatonic scale?
G, B♭, C, D, F. Its formula is 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7.
Where do I start the G minor pentatonic scale on guitar?
G on the low E string is at fret 3, so play the notes between frets 2 and 6 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every G minor pentatonic note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to G minor pentatonic?
It uses exactly the same five notes as B♭ major pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
More scales
Minor pentatonic in every key
Other scales from G