G Hindu at a glance
Hindu scale (Mixolydian ♭6) appears in Indian classical music and Western rock/metal looking for an exotic dominant sound. Joe Satriani uses it constantly. Built on the root G, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where G is a comfortable tonal centre.
| Notes | G A B C D E♭ F |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m |
| Step pattern | W W H W H W W |
| Chords in the key | GA°B°CmDmE♭+F |
Chords in the G Hindu scale
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
G Hindu on the piano
Improvisation drone · G
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
On the piano G Hindu uses one black key (E♭) and six white.
G · A · B · C · D · E♭ · F
Play G Hindu on the online piano
Free, in your browser: play with the mouse, your computer keyboard or a USB MIDI keyboard. No sign-up.
G Hindu on the guitar
G Hindu - fr 0–12
G Hindu on the staff
Notes of the G Hindu scale
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | unison1P | 0 | |
| 2 | A | major 2nd2M | 2 | |
| 3 | B | major 3rd3M | 4 | |
| 4 | C | perfect 4th4P | 5 | |
| 5 | D | perfect 5th5P | 7 | |
| 6 | E♭ | minor 6th6m | 8 | |
| 7 | F | minor 7th7m | 10 |
What makes G Hindu different
The Hindu scale, also called Mixolydian ♭6 or Aeolian dominant, is Mixolydian with a lowered sixth, the one note separating the two. Its lower half (1, 2, 3, 4) is major and its upper half (5, ♭6, ♭7, 8) is natural minor, so it starts bright and ends dark. It's the fifth mode of melodic minor and shares its notes with the melodic minor scale a perfect fourth above its root. The tonic is major while both the iv and v chords are minor. On G, G Hindu has E♭ where G Mixolydian has E; every other note is shared with G Mixolydian (G A B C D E F).
How to use the G Hindu scale
The diatonic chords of G Hindu are: I = G, ii° = A°, iii° = B°, iv = Cm, v = Dm, VI+ = E♭+, VII = F. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G Hindu. Each one in the chord table on this page opens its own diagram and progressions.
Hindu scale (Mixolydian ♭6) appears in Indian classical music and Western rock/metal looking for an exotic dominant sound. Joe Satriani uses it constantly.
Practice tips
Compare hindu against parallel Mixolydian to feel what the flat sixth adds. Improvise over a 7sus4 chord using only Hindu notes for an instant exotic-rock vibe.
Formula & step pattern
The G Hindu scale follows Mixolydian with a flat sixth (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7) — also the fifth mode of melodic minor. Step pattern: W - W - H - W - H - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Where you will hear G Hindu
Start with the music described above: listen for G Hindu in it and transcribe a few short phrases by ear. It's the quickest way to learn how the scale sounds.
Questions people ask
What notes are in the G Hindu scale?
The G Hindu scale contains G, A, B, C, D, E♭ and F.
What is the formula for the G Hindu scale?
G Hindu follows Mixolydian with a flat sixth (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7) — also the fifth mode of melodic minor.
Is G Hindu a major or minor scale?
G Hindu is a hindu scale. Mixolydian with a flat sixth — major brightness with a darker upper tetrachord, common in Indian-flavoured rock and metal.
What chords belong to the G Hindu scale?
The diatonic chords of G Hindu are G, A°, B°, Cm, Dm, E♭+, F.
Which genres use G Hindu?
Hindu scale (Mixolydian ♭6) appears in Indian classical music and Western rock/metal looking for an exotic dominant sound. Joe Satriani uses it constantly.
How do you play the G Hindu scale on the piano?
On the piano G Hindu uses one black key (E♭) and six white.
What is the difference between G Hindu and G Mixolydian?
On G, G Hindu has E♭ where G Mixolydian has E; every other note is shared with G Mixolydian (G A B C D E F).
How do I practise the G Hindu scale?
Compare hindu against parallel Mixolydian to feel what the flat sixth adds. Improvise over a 7sus4 chord using only Hindu notes for an instant exotic-rock vibe.