As one of the twelve notes in Western music, the G music note sits between F#/Gb and G#/Ab. Learn how to recognise G in different clefs, the different scales and modes that start on G and listen to famous songs that feature G prominently in their melodies.
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G Note on The Staff
Here is probably the most common G you’ll see. It sits on the second line of the treble clef and is the G above middle C.
Below are different Gs that you will see on the treble and bass clef. Remember that we can play G notes an octave higher or lower from out G above middle C. This means that technical there are infinite G notes to choose from!
Below are notes that are enharmonically equivalent to G. F double sharp means two half-steps above F, which is a G natural. A double flat means two half steps below A, which is also G natural.
G Note on the Piano and Keyboard
G sits between the F# and G# black keys on the keyboard. The black keys move in groups of two then three. The G note is in-between the first on second black key in the groups of 3.
You might also remember it as the fifth white key above C. This is because G is a perfect 5th above C.
G Note Accidentals
We can add accidental signs to a G note and these are shown below. Remember that all these notes (with the exception of G natural) are not enharmonically equivalent to G.
G Music Notes in Different Clefs
Here are typical G notes that you will see in different clefs. Some are lower or higher and for more on how to name the different G notes, check out our post on octaves.
Treble Clef –
The G above middle C (C4) sits on the second line of the treble clef.
Bass Clef –
The G below middle C (G3) sits on the fourth line of the bass clef.
Alto Clef –
The G above middle C (G4) sits on the top line of the alto clef.
Tenor Clef – G
The G below middle C (G3) sits on the second space of the tenor clef.
Mezzo- soprano – G
The G above middle C (C4) sits on the fourth line of the mezzo-soprano clef.
Soprano Clef – G
The G above middle C (G4) sits on the third line of the soprano clef.
Baritone Clef – G
The G below middle C (G3) sits on the third space of the baritone clef.
Popular Scales starting on G
G Major
The major scale formula is W-W-H-W-W-W-H, where W= whole step and H = half step. Below is the G major scale.
G Natural Minor
The natural minor formula is W-H-W-W-H-W-W. Below is the G natural minor scale.
G Harmonic Minor
The harmonic minor formula is W – H – W – W – H – W1/2 – H. Note that this scale has a three semitone step or a whole-step-and-a-half.
G Melodic Minor
When ascending the melodic minor scale follows this pattern: W-H-W-W-W-W-H.
When descending it follows the natural minor pattern.
Modes Starting on G
Below are the modes that start on G
G Notes in Famous Songs
‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ – My Chemical Romance
“Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance stands as a defining anthem of emo and alternative rock. Opening with a haunting piano melody starts with a single G note.
God Save the King – British National Anthem
“God Save the King” serves as the national anthem of the United Kingdom, embodying the nation’s historical and cultural significance. With a melody that carries a sense of regal tradition, the anthem is often performed at important national events and ceremonies.
The whole piece is in G major and the first two notes of the melody are Gs.
‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ – Mariah Carey
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a modern holiday classic by Mariah Carey that has become synonymous with the festive season. Wi
This song is in the key of G major and the first note of the verse is the G below middle C (the ‘I’). The last note of the chorus (All I want for Christmas is YOU) is also a G, this time the one above middle C.
Frequency of G Music Note
Using the equal temperament tuning system, the A above middle C is 440 Hz. This means that the G above middle C would be approximately 392 Hz.
Solfege G Note
In the solfege system, the syllables Do, Re Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Si are used to refer to the notes names, C, D, E , F, G, A, B.
The G music note in solfege is referred to as ‘Sol’,
