G Chord on Guitar (G major)
G is a major chord with a bright, stable and happy sound. It contains the notes G – B – D (root + major third + perfect fifth). Below you will find 4 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play G
Position 1: 3 2 0 0 0 3
- low E: fret 3
- A: fret 2
- D: open
- G: open
- B: open
- high E: fret 3
Position 2: x 10 12 12 12 10
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 10
- D: fret 12
- G: fret 12
- B: fret 12
- high E: fret 10
Position 3: 3 5 5 4 3 3
- low E: fret 3
- A: fret 5
- D: fret 5
- G: fret 4
- B: fret 3
- high E: fret 3
Position 4: x x 5 7 8 7
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 5
- G: fret 7
- B: fret 8
- high E: fret 7
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play G and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
A major chord is the most common chord in popular music. It is built from three notes: the root, the major third (4 half steps above the root) and the perfect fifth (7 half steps above the root).
Degrees: 1 = G, 3 = B, 5 = D
Using G in songs
Major chords are the backbone of most songs. In any major key, the chords built on the 1st, 4th and 5th degrees are major, which is why so many songs only need three or four of them.
Relative minor: Em