G Minor Hexatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G Minor Hexatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Minor Hexatonic scale is a six-note scale that bridges the gap between the minor pentatonic and full modal scales. On Piano, it contains the notes G, A, Bb, C, D, F#. It has a soulful, minor character but offers more melodic flexibility, making it a common choice for blues and jazz-rock soloing. Commonly used in Blues, Jazz-Rock, R&B, Soul. Notable players include B.B. King, Albert King, John Mayer. Use over m7 chords and blues changes. More flexible than minor pentatonic but less complex than full Dorian.
Notes: G, A, Bb, C, D, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6
Formula: W-H-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 6
How to Play G Minor Hexatonic on Piano
On piano, the G Minor Hexatonic 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 Hexatonic 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
Begin by playing the G Minor Hexatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G-Bb, A-C) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G to let the characteristic intervals of the Minor Hexatonic scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the G Minor Hexatonic scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The G Minor Hexatonic scale contains 6 notes (G, A, Bb, C, D, F#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.