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Guitar chord · Beginner

G major chord (G) — guitar chord chart

G is a major chord built on G. Its notes are G, B, D. Major chords sound bright, stable and resolved — the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs.

G chord charts

G — Open position○○○213EADGBe
Open position
G — Open position○○2134EADGBe
Open position
G — E shape · fret 333421EADGBe
E shape · fret 3

Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.

How to play G

  1. Middle (2) on the 6th string, fret 3 (G).
  2. Index (1) on the 5th string, fret 2 (B).
  3. Ring (3) on the 1st string, fret 3 (G).
  4. Let strings 4, 3, 2 ring open.
  5. Strum all six strings.
  6. Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.

Once the open shape is comfortable, try the barre version at fret 2: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.

Notes in G

DegreeNoteInterval
1Groot
3Bmajor 3rd
5Dperfect 5th

Progressions with G

I–V–vi–IV in G

The most-used pop progression.

I–IV–V in D (as the IV)
I–vi–IV–V in C (as the V)

Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.

FAQ

What notes are in the G chord?
G (G major) has 3 notes: G, B, D.
Is G hard to play?
No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
What’s the difference between G and Gm?
Gm is G B♭ D. Major chords sound bright, stable and resolved — the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs.