A gain control circuit (22) provides linear-in-decibel gain control for an RF signal variable gain amplifier (12). The gain control circuit (22) utilizes the transconductance characteristics of bipolar transistors to generate a logarithmic relationship betweena gain control current (IG) and an amplifier bias current (IC). The gain control circuit (22) comprises essentially a current mirror having two transistors (Q1, Q2) with a resistor (R1) coupled between the associated base terminals of the two transistors (Q1, Q2). A third transistor (Q3) and a resistor (R2) are also provided to absorb the gain control current (IG). The gain control current (IG) is applied to a base of a first one (Q1) of the two transistors and a voltage is thereby established across the resistor. This voltage subtracts from the base-emitter voltage of the second transistor (Q2) thereby producing a corresponding exponential reduction in the current through the second transistor (Q2). This current (IC) is provided to a gm stage (12), whose gain is linearly proportional to this current. Thus, a linear change in the gain control current (IG) produces an exponential change in the gainof the gm stage (12). Accordingly, a linear-in dB variable gain amplifier is achieved.