G Guitar Chord
G is a major chord. Major chords sound bright and stable, the most basic chord sound there is. Its notes are G, B and D. Below are 3 ways to play it, each with a chord diagram, tab and finger numbers.
Notes in G
| Note | Degree | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| G | R | Root |
| B | 3 | Major 3rd |
| D | 5 | Perfect 5th |
Formula: 1–3–5
G 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.
Open
Easiest- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- 3 2 0 0 0 3
- Fingers
- 3 2 – – – 4
E-shape 3fr
- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- 3 5 5 4 3 3
- Fingers
- 1 3 4 2 1 1
A-shape 10fr
- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- x 10 12 12 12 10
- Fingers
- – 1 3 3 3 1
How to play G (easiest shape)
Shape: Open, tab 3 2 0 0 0 3 (6th to 1st string).
- 1Put your middle finger (2) on the 5th string at the 2nd fret.
- 2Put your ring finger (3) on the 6th string at the 3rd fret.
- 3Put your pinky (4) on the 1st string at the 3rd fret.
- 4Let the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings ring open.
- 5Strum down from the 6th string to the 1st string.
G: common questions
- What notes are in the G chord?
- G has 3 notes: G, B and D. Counted from the root, that is 1–3–5.
- Is there an easier way to play G?
- The easiest shape on this page is "Open" (3 2 0 0 0 3). It needs no barre: each finger presses just one string.
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See all 231 chords in the chord library, find a scale to play over them, or tune up before you start.