Part 4: Build and use one major scale · Lesson 033 / 117
Build another key instead of memorising it
Derive the F# in G major from the same recipe.
Start at G and keep the major-step pattern unchanged. Use each letter in order: G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Now check the distances required by W–W–H–W–W–W–H.
The last two gaps need adjustment. E to F is only a half step, but the recipe needs a whole step there. Raise F to F#. Then F# to G supplies the final half step. The result is G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G.
Use one string first: high E frets 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 15. The shape of the distances matches the C-major recipe even though the note names differ.
A key signature can collect the accidentals normally used in a key. G major has one sharp, F#. You do not need to learn every signature today. Deriving one accurately shows you what a signature records.
Hear it
G Major
Audio fileFour-beat count-in · 60 BPM · Warm sampled electric guitar. Listen once before playing along.
A concrete example
G major: G A B C D E F# G. Its third is B and its fifth is D. The F# is required by the step pattern, not chosen because a diagram happened to show it.
Try it, slowly
- Write G through G with one occurrence of each letter.
- Check the step sizes and change F to F#.
- Play a short G–A–B–A–G phrase and identify its degrees.
Check one idea
Why use F# instead of Gb in this G-major spelling?
Show the explanation
Each scale step needs its own consecutive letter. The seventh step uses F, raised to F#. Calling it Gb would repeat G and omit F from the seven-letter sequence.
A good place to stop
You can reconstruct G major and explain the sharp without reciting twelve major scales.
Return to the example after a short break. A clear explanation matters more than speed.