Gb Chinese scale

A pentatonic scale, 1–3–#4–5–7, with a major 3rd and augmented 4th; a bright sound with Lydian tension.

Octaves

Musical context

How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Name
Gb Chinese scale
Family
Pentatonic scales
Note count
5
Step formula
4 – W – H – 4 – H
Numeric formula
0-4-2-1-4-1

Notes & degrees

1Gbroot
3Bbmajor 3rd
#4Caug 4th
5Dbperfect 5th
7Fmajor 7th

Construction

Overview
A pentatonic scale, 1–3–#4–5–7, with a major 3rd and augmented 4th; a bright sound with Lydian tension.
Application in music
The major 3rd establishes a major tonic, while the augmented 4th creates Lydian tension toward the perfect 5th.
Interval formula
Gb
2W
Bb
W
C
H
Db
2W
F

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IGbpoint of resttonic
VDbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

VIIFF
IGbGb
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how Gb Chinese scale looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmF#major
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Frequently Asked Questions