G Major Chord on Guitar
G (G major) is made of the notes G – B – D. The easiest guitar fingering is 32000x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play G
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 3 (G).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (B).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 3 | G | R |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | B | 3 |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a G major chord?
A major chord is a triad built from the root, a major third and a perfect fifth. It is the basic "happy" chord and the first shape most guitarists learn.
Notes and formula. G contains G, B, D. Counted from the root G, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th).
Sound. Bright, stable and resolved. Major chords feel like home base in a major key.
Where it is used. Major chords carry the verse and chorus of most pop, rock, folk and country songs. In any major key the I, IV and V chords are major.
Tips for playing G
Strum the chord slowly and listen to every string. A single muted or buzzing string is the most common reason a chord sounds "off", so press close to the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
Common mistake: Letting a fretting finger lean on the neighbouring string and silence it. Arch your fingers so only the tips touch the strings.
Keys that contain G
G is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- C major – V chord
- D major – IV chord
- G major – I chord
- A minor – VII chord
- B minor – VI chord
- E minor – III chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over G
Related chords
G chord FAQ
What notes are in a G chord?
G (G major) contains the notes G, B, D. The formula is R–3–5 relative to the root G.
How do you play G on guitar?
The most common shape for G is 32000x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Is G an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Which keys contain G?
G is a diatonic chord in C major (V), D major (IV), G major (I), A minor (VII), B minor (VI), E minor (III).
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