The G minor scale is a fundamental scale every guitarist should know. If you’ve already learned the notes in the first position, the next step is to expand your knowledge across the entire fretboard. Mastering the five essential scale shapes will help you navigate the neck with confidence and unlock new creative possibilities.
If you’re not yet comfortable naming the notes on the guitar, be sure to check out these 7 tips to learn the notes on the fretboard before diving in.
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G minor scale theory
To help you understand this scale, let’s first go over some music theory before playing it. The G minor scale has the notes G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, and G. These notes come from the minor scale formula with specific steps between each note (whole, half, whole, whole, then half, whole, whole step).
See the formula with the G minor scale notes below.
You can also think of the notes in the minor scale in terms of intervals related to the root note. The intervals in a minor scale are unison (with the root note), perfect 2nd, minor 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, minor 6th, and minor 7th.
Another method that you can use to learn any minor scale is to memorize the key signature. In this case, the G minor scale has 2 flats which are Bb and Eb (same as the Bb Major scale).
Note that this scale is also known as a G natural minor scale or G aeolian scale, which is not the same as the melodic minor, harmonic minor, or dorian scale. See the difference between minor scales here.
How to read the scale charts
For the charts below:
- Charts on the left side show you the scale notes and charts on the right show you the suggested fingering.
- The lowest horizontal line represents the thickest string (Low E) and the top horizontal line represents the thinnest string (high E).
- The green circles represent the root note of the minor scale and the blue notes are every other scale note.
- Circles to the left of a chart represent open strings.
If needed, check this link for more on how to read guitar notation symbols.
5 G minor scale shapes
This section shows you the G minor scale in five different areas of the fretboard. Each scale shape includes the music notation including guitar tabs. You’ll see how all of these shapes connect afterward.
G minor scale shape 1
For the notation below, the numbers above the notes suggest what fingers to use for your fretting hand.
G minor scale shape 2
G minor scale shape 3
Easily look up scales with the Essential Minor Scales Guitar Chart!
This chart shows you the 5 essential minor scale shapes on guitar and how to play the minor scale starting on all 12 root notes.
There’s no need to stumble on what notes to play… Get the Essential Minor Scales Guitar Chart printable to motivate and guide you on your musical journey!
G minor scale shape 4
G minor scale shape 5
You can also apply these minor scale shapes by shifting them to any key. Make sure to rearrange your fingers wherever necessary.
All the G minor scale notes on the fretboard
Finally, here are all of the G minor scale notes on the fretboard below. This is what all of the connected scale shapes look like.
You can also check out this other lesson to learn the G Major scale on guitar.
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3 tips for memorizing the minor scale shapes
Here are 3 quick tips to help you memorize the 5 minor scale shapes.
1. Master one shape at a time
The way I recommend learning and memorizing any scale is to start memorizing one particular shape that feels most comfortable for you. Try to really get the shape under your fingers to the point where you don’t have to look at the chart. Use the first shape you master as a guide to learn the other scale shapes around it.
2. Look for repeating fingering patterns
Look for patterns such as what strings repeat the same fingering within a shape.
Tip: The notes on the first and sixth string will always be the same.
For example, in shape 5 we see that the 1st, 2nd, and 6th string follow a 1, 2, and 4 finger pattern. The 4th and 5th string follow a 1, 3, and 4 finger pattern. The 3rd string has the unique finger pattern of fingers 1 and 3. Knowing where note patterns repeat will help you build a mental map of a scale shape.
3. Connect shapes around the ones you learned
After learning one of the scale shapes well, either learn the shape that comes before or after it to see how the notes connect on the fretboard. Again, try to master one shape at a time and make sure you can play it without looking at the chart. This will make the process more approachable by breaking it down into smaller sections before moving on to the next shape.
Backing Track 🎶
Practice the G minor scale by playing along with the backing track below.
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Wrapping up
Mastering these minor scale shapes will deepen your understanding of the guitar by helping you connect the fretboard and break out of familiar patterns. While it’s easy to stick to one comfortable position, learning these shapes challenges you to see the instrument in a new way.
Beyond that, knowing the scale shapes boosts your confidence when playing melodies or improvising, allowing you to choose the right notes naturally and move freely across the fretboard.
If you’re ready to take your practice further, check out this guide on how to practice scales on guitar for more tips and exercises.
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All the best,
JG Music Lessons
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