G major · 7 chords · 1♯

Chords in the Key of G major

The key of G major contains the notes G – A – B – C – D – E – F#. Its seven chords are G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim.

The seven chords of G major

These are the triads built on each note of the G major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	G	G – B – D	Tonic
ii	Am	A – C – E	Supertonic
iii	Bm	B – D – F#	Mediant
IV	C	C – E – G	Subdominant
V	D	D – F# – A	Dominant
vi	Em	E – G – B	Submediant
vii°	F#dim	F# – A – C	Leading tone

Seventh chords in G major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit G major.

Gmaj7 Am7 Bm7 Cmaj7 D7 Em7 F#m7b5

Key signature of G major

G major has 1 sharp: F#.

The relative minor of G major is E minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of G major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in G major

Popular progressions written out in G major:

I-V-vi-IV: G – D – Em – C
I-IV-V: G – C – D
12-Bar Blues: G7 – G7 – G7 – G7 – C7 – C7 – G7 – G7 – D7 – C7 – G7 – D7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): G – Em – C – D
vi-IV-I-V: Em – C – G – D
ii-V-I: Am7 – D7 – Gmaj7

Scales to play in G major

G Major Scale G Major Pentatonic Scale G Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of G major?

The chords in G major are G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of G major?

It is E minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in G major?