G Minor #7m Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G Minor #7m Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Minor #7m Pentatonic scale is a minor pentatonic variation that includes a major seventh, echoing the tension of the melodic minor scale. On Piano, the notes are G, Bb, C, D, F#. It is used to create a Minor-Major mystery, providing a simple but effective way to add a dark, classical tension to modern solos. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Notes: G, Bb, C, D, F#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 5
How to Play G Minor #7m Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the G Minor #7m Pentatonic scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on G and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The G Minor #7m Pentatonic 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 Minor #7m Pentatonic 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 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in G. Try a G5 - D5 - F#5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the G Minor #7m Pentatonic scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The G Minor #7m Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G, Bb, C, D, F#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.