ScalesG# Minor Pentatonic
Guitar scale · fretboard map
G# Minor Pentatonic Scale
The G# Minor Pentatonic scale is built from the notes G#, B, C#, D#, and F#. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root G# highlighted.
The minor pentatonic scale is the most-used scale in blues and rock lead guitar: five notes that are very hard to play wrong.
Notes in the G# Minor Pentatonic scale
G#1
Bb3
C#4
D#5
F#b7
G# Minor Pentatonic scale on the fretboard
root (G#) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in G#
Ab MajorG# Natural MinorAb Major PentatonicG# BluesG# DorianG# PhrygianAb LydianAb MixolydianG# Harmonic Minor
The minor pentatonic scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the G# Minor Pentatonic scale?
- The G# Minor Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes: G#, B, C#, D#, and F#. As scale degrees those are 1, b3, 4, 5, b7.
- How do you play the G# Minor Pentatonic scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (G#) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the G# notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the G# Minor Pentatonic scale used for?
- The minor pentatonic scale is the most-used scale in blues and rock lead guitar: five notes that are very hard to play wrong. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in G# and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.