G Minor Scale
The G natural minor scale runs G, A, B flat, C, D, E flat, F and back to G. The two flats are B flat and E flat. A phrase over G minor can make G feel like home, even though B flat major uses the same seven pitch names.
- Notes: G-A-B flat-C-D-E flat-F
- Key signature: two flats
- Relative major: B flat major
How do the two flats shape G minor?
Play G-A-B flat-C-D-E flat-F-G. The natural-minor pattern puts half steps at A-B flat and D-E flat. Find those pairs on adjacent piano keys. The step from F back to G is a whole step.
B flat is the minor third above G. Play G-B flat-D as a chord; then raise B flat to B natural and hear the parallel G-major triad. E flat is the lowered sixth compared with G major and marks the other half-step location.
What does its key signature mean?
In a G-minor score, the key signature writes B flat and E flat. F remains natural by default. A composer may raise F to F sharp near a return to G; the accidental is written beside that note. The signature still belongs to G minor.
B flat major has the same two flats. Play B flat-D-F-B flat over a B-flat bass, then G-B flat-D-G over a G bass. The pitch collection is shared, but the bass and ending give it another center.
Which chords can you build from natural G minor?
The seven triads are Gm, A diminished, B flat, Cm, Dm, E flat and F. In particular, D-F-A makes D minor. Raising F to F sharp produces D major, whose F sharp is a half step below G.
Play Dm-Gm and then D-Gm. You can hear why a minor-key progression might borrow the raised seventh even while most of the melody uses the natural-minor notes. The Minor Scales page compares the scale forms in context.
A small listening task
Play B flat-D-F, pause, then G-B flat-D. Name the note each chord treats as its root. Finish with F-G and F sharp-G over a low G, and listen to the difference made by moving just one key.