How to play the G major chord on guitar
G major (G) in standard tuning (EADGBE). Play the shape 320003 from the low E string to the high E string. The chord tones are G, B, D, and the lowest sounding note is G.
Fingering chart
| String | Fret | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (low E) | 3 | G |
| 5th (A) | 2 | B |
| 4th (D) | Open | D |
| 3rd (G) | Open | G |
| 2nd (B) | Open | B |
| 1st (high E) | 3 | G |
Notes and intervals
Formula 1 3 5. This shape sounds each chord tone.
| Note | Degree | Interval from G | In this shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | Root (0 semitones) | Yes |
| B | 3 | Major 3rd (4 semitones) | Yes |
| D | 5 | Perfect 5th (7 semitones) | Yes |
Changing chords from G
G sounds six strings: three fretted positions between frets 2 and 3, plus three open strings. The quickest changes leave fretted notes where they are, so the hand pivots instead of lifting off the neck. These are the chords in this library that share the most fretted notes with the G shape.
- G to G7: keep two fretted notes in place (6th string fret 3, 5th string fret 2), one new position to fret.
- G to Gmaj7: keep two fretted notes in place (6th string fret 3, 5th string fret 2), one new position to fret.
- G to Gm: keep two fretted notes in place (6th string fret 3, 1st string fret 3), four new positions to fret.
- G to Em7: keep one fretted note in place (5th string fret 2), no new positions to fret.
Related chords
Relative minor
- Em: Relative minor of G major