Scale Lesson 5

G Major on One String and Open Position

So far we have just looked at the Key of C and C major scales, now let us take a look at another major scale but this time G.

We start by using the major scale formula we learned in Lesson 2:

W  W  H  W  W  W  H

This time we start on G.  Let's use the open G string and move up the scale on that one string.

G Major Scale

G Major in Open

(also known as 1st Position)

Now let us play these same notes but in open position.

Open position is also called 1st position (index looks after 1st fret)

Note the notes are exactly the same on the staff.  Just a different place to play the same pitches.

G Major Scale

2 Octaves - Eighth notes

E Minor Scale

Every Major Scale has a Relative Minor.  This means a scale that shares all of the same notes.  We can find any major scales relative minor by either starting on the 6th degree of the major scale or going down a minor 3rd interval from the root of that major scale.

In other words, the 6th degree of a G major scale is E.  So if we play from E to E using the same notes from the G major scale, we have an E minor scale.

Or if you go down a minor 3rd interval from G you will also end up with an E.

All Of The Notes

Here are all of the notes in the key of G major or E minor in 1st position.