G Six Tone Symmetric Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
G Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Guitar, its notes are G, Ab, B, C, D#, E. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: G, Ab, B, C, D#, E
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
How to Play G Six Tone Symmetric on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 3 on the 6th (low E) to find your G root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position using open G string.
The G Six Tone Symmetric scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the G Six Tone Symmetric scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 6 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the G Six Tone Symmetric scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The G Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (G, Ab, B, C, D#, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Six Tone Symmetric
The G Six Tone Symmetric scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore G Six Tone Symmetric Further
- Harmonize the G Six Tone Symmetric scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- G Six Tone Symmetric on Ukulele
- G Six Tone Symmetric on Bass
- G Six Tone Symmetric on Piano
Explore G Six Tone Symmetric in Other Tunings
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- G Six Tone Symmetric in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)