Interactive piano keyboard showing G Major Pentatonic scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The G major pentatonic (G, A, B, D, E) is one of the most-played scales on guitar, with open-string positions that make it effortless to play. Country, folk, and pop songwriters use it extensively for its universally consonant sound. "My Girl" by The Temptations and "Sweet Home Alabama" feature G major pentatonic melodies.
Omitting the 4th and 7th from the major scale removes all half-step dissonance, leaving only consonant intervals. The major 3rd and major 6th give it a sweet, open sound — nearly any note combination works, making it universally pleasing.
The diatonic chords in G Major Pentatonic are: G, Am, Bm, Dm, Em. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Major Pentatonic?
The G major pentatonic (G, A, B, D, E) is one of the most-played scales on guitar, with open-string positions that make it effortless to play. Country, folk, and pop songwriters use it extensively for its universally consonant sound. "My Girl" by The Temptations and "Sweet Home Alabama" feature G major pentatonic melodies.
What notes are in the G Major Pentatonic?
The G Major Pentatonic contains the notes: G, A, B, D, E. This is a 5-note scale starting from G.
How many chords does the G Major Pentatonic have?
The G Major Pentatonic produces 5 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: G, Am, Bm, Dm, Em.
What is the formula for the Major Pentatonic?
The Major Pentatonic follows the interval formula: W-W-W+H-W-W+H (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
G is at the 1 o'clock position. Related keys: D (dominant), C (subdominant), E (relative minor), A (supertonic), F (subtonic).