Getting Started with G Ionian #5
G, A, B, C, D#, E and F# are the notes of the G Ionian #5 scale. D# replaces the D of G major, giving the scale its raised fifth and its slightly floating quality.
The open G string is the root, and the 3rd fret of the low E string marks the same pitch lower down. E minor and its harmonic form share these notes, so that key is where the scale fits most easily. Mixing major and minor modes shows other ways to blend the sounds.
Play the G ionian #5 scale
Use the step menu in the player to switch between the single-string run and the box shapes.
Notes of the G ionian #5 scale
| Note | Degree | Interval | Semitones from root |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | Root | 0 |
| A | 2 | Major 2nd | 2 |
| B | 3 | Major 3rd | 4 |
| C | 4 | Perfect 4th | 5 |
| D# | #5 | Minor 6th | 8 |
| E | 6 | Major 6th | 9 |
| F# | 7 | Major 7th | 11 |
Structure
G ionian #5 scale notes:
How the ionian #5 scale is built:
The ionian #5 scale is built from the degrees 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7, which gives the step pattern W-W-H-W+H-H-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).
Counting in semitones from the root: 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11. That makes it a 7-note scale.
It is mode 3 of the Harmonic Minor Scale, so both scales share the same notes from a different starting point.
It is also known as Ionian Augmented.
G Ionian #5 Scale Guitar Patterns
Static diagrams of every position shown in the player above.
On one string (G)
Box pattern — position 1
Box pattern — position 2
Box pattern — position 3
Box pattern — position 4
Box pattern — position 5
3 notes per string — position 1
3 notes per string — position 2
3 notes per string — position 3
3 notes per string — position 4
3 notes per string — position 5
Chords in the G ionian #5 scale
Stacking thirds on each degree of the scale gives these chords.
Related modes
These scales share the same notes as the ionian #5 scale, starting from a different degree.
The ionian #5 scale in other keys
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
