G major is one of the easiest and one of the most common guitar chords. It is actually the first guitar chord I recommend a beginner learns. It will come handy when you play in the key of G, D and C which are all very common in guitar music.
Here are some common shapes for G major chord:
As you can see G chord is not as easy as Em, but it is nothing compared to a barre F major chord, for example. You will likely use standard shape the most, but is it worth experimenting with other shapes to as they sound slightly different, also depending on the context (chords that come before and chords that follow after) it might be easier to play one version and not the other.
G major chord theory
As any other major chord G major is built with a 1-3-5 formula. That means it is using 1st, 3rd and 5th notes from an G major scale. Those notes are G, B, and D. Try and learn the notes by heart. It will come handy as you learn your fretboard and discover different ways to play chords across the neck.
- G major chord formula: 1 – 3 – 5
- G major chord notes: G – B – D
Common G major chord functions
G major is most commonly indicated as G, although you might see alternative names for it: GM, GMa, Gmaj, GΔ
Most commonly you will use G as I-chord in the key of G major. It is also commonly used in the key of D as IV-chord, and in the key of C major as V-chord.
G major on the circle of fifths
G major chord sits between C and D, and it’s relative minor chord is Em. That means it sounds great with any of those chords. G chord is most commonly used in a I-IV-V chord progression: G–C–D
How to play G major chord
Standard G major chord is fairly easy to play. That is a version I recommend you learn first.
For finger position for G major I recommend building this chord from the top string. First, place your ring finger (#3) on the 3rd fret of the low-E, then middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string, and finally a pinky on the 3rd fret of the high-E.
Standard G major uses open strings that make it sound full and bright. No wonder it is so popular!
G major in open position also uses each of the 3 main notes of the chord twice, which contributes to the big and balanced sound of G major.
Practicing finger placement for G major chord
It might take you some time to get the finger placement right. I’d recommend starting slowly. Place your fingers on the fretboard one by one and strum the chord. Make sure all the strings sound nice and clear and there is no buzzing sounds.
If you do hear strings buzz, let go of the neck, let you hand rest for a moment, and try again.
It will take some time to build strength in your fretting hand, so don’t rush this process.
For best results practice in short sessions several times a day.
If you need some rest grab one of the blank chord diagrams and try to recall each chord you are learning from memory.
G major chord variations
Alternative versions of G major chord are not necessarily easier to play, they are just different.
Version 1 changes open B to D. That looks like a tiny change in the chord voicing, but as you can see it is a major change in finger position. This tiny change in voicing make the chord sound a bit more spacious.
The spacious sound is even more pronounced in version 2 which is really a power chord that follows the 1-5 chord formula. The missing 3rd makes it sound ambiguous (neither major nor minor).
Version 2 is a bit tricky to play. I use my thumb on the lower-E string and extend it just enough to touch and mute the 5th string.
These versions of G major chord might be a bit more advanced, but feel free to give them a try.
Practicing chord changes for G major chord
Once you feel comfortable playing G major chord on its own, start practicing some chord changes. Here are some ideas:
- G – C – G
- G – D – G
- G – Em – C – D – G
- G – C – D – G
G major chord is really not that hard, but if you have troubles with it do let me know, and I will try and help you out.
