G5 Guitar Chord

G5 is a power chord. It has only the root and the fifth, with no third, so it is neither major nor minor and stays clear under heavy distortion. Its notes are G and D. Below are 2 ways to play it, each with a chord diagram, tab and finger numbers.

Notes in G5

NoteDegreeInterval
GRRoot
D5Perfect 5th

Formula: 1–5

G5 chord shapes

Finger numbers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. In the tab, x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. In the diagrams the top line is the 1st (thinnest) string and the nut is on the left.

  • E-shape 3fr

    Easiest
    134✕✕✕
    Tab (6th → 1st string)
    3 5 5 x x x
    Fingers
    1 3 4 – – –
  • A-shape 10fr

    10fr✕134✕✕
    Tab (6th → 1st string)
    x 10 12 12 x x
    Fingers
    – 1 3 4 – –

How to play G5 (easiest shape)

Shape: E-shape 3fr, tab 3 5 5 x x x (6th to 1st string).

134✕✕✕
  1. 1Put your index finger (1) on the 6th string at the 3rd fret.
  2. 2Put your ring finger (3) on the 5th string at the 5th fret.
  3. 3Put your pinky (4) on the 4th string at the 5th fret.
  4. 4Keep the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings quiet: stop your strum at the 4th string, or let a fretting finger touch them lightly.
  5. 5Strum down from the 6th string to the 4th string.

G5: common questions

What notes are in the G5 chord?
G5 has 2 notes: G and D. Counted from the root, that is 1–5.
Is there an easier way to play G5?
The easiest shape on this page is "E-shape 3fr" (3 5 5 x x x). It needs no barre: each finger presses just one string.

Same chord type, other roots

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