G Major Scale, Chords & Songs

The G Major scale

The G Major scale contains seven notes: G – A – B – C – D – E – F#. Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).

All notes in the G Major scale highlighted on the keyboard.

Diatonic chords in G Major

These seven chords are built on each scale degree. They're the natural chord palette for songs in G Major — most pop progressions like I-V-vi-IV use only these.

Quick facts

Key signature

1 sharp (F♯)

Relative minor

E minor

Difficulty on piano

Beginner-friendly — only 1 sharp.

Songs in our catalog

Available in this key

Popular chord progressions in G Major

These famous progressions are built from the diatonic chords of G Major. Click any to learn the theory + see songs that use it.

• I–V–vi–IV ("Axis of Awesome")I – V – vi – IV
  GDEmC
• vi–IV–I–V (Sensitive Female Progression)vi – IV – I – V
  EmCGD
• I–IV–V (Three-Chord Classic)I – IV – V
  GCD
• ii–V–I (Jazz Cadence)ii – V – I
  Am7D7Gmaj7
• 12-Bar BluesI – I – I – I | IV – IV – I – I | V – IV – I – V
  G7C7D7
• I–vi–IV–V (Doo-Wop / "50s Progression")I – vi – IV – V
  GEmCD
• Royal Road Progression (IV–V–iii–vi)IV – V – iii – vi
  CDBmEm
• I–IV–I–V (Country Two-Step)I – IV – I – V
  GCGD