The G chord is one of the essential chords every beginning guitar player must learn, compared to more advanced ones such as the B guitar chord. Why? The G chord is used in so many songs. Besides, learning how to play this chord on the guitar is fun because you can play it in different ways, and they all sound good.
In this lesson, we are, however, going to stick to just two positions. One of the positions will have a slight variation to it, giving the chord a rich, fuller sound. These positions and variations are the most widely used G major chord positions.
Songs in the G, C, and D key will make use of the G chord. See also, G Major Scale.
Playing the G chord on the guitar will require some finger stretching – even more than the C chord. To the beginning guitar player (especially those with small hands) the G major chord will require a bit of practice and finger stretching.
However, anyone can learn to play the chord. In five to seven days, you should have this chord mastered. It is all about practice and persistence!
Notes And Intervals Of the G Scale and Chord
Knowing the notes that make up the G major chord and every other chord is such a valuable musical skill. It will help you, in the long run, to play different kinds of chords without referring to a chord chart. Also, it will give you a fundamental framework on how chords are formed in music. For an overview on all of the chord notes, see All Guitar Strings and Notes.
The G major chord is a major triad (a triad is a three-note chord). In music, triads are formed by stacking 3rds together. This means that we put the root, the third, and the fifth note of a scale together. Following this rule, the G major chord notes are G, B, and D.
The note ‘G’ is the root, and the note ‘B’ is the third. ‘D’ is the fifth note in the scale of G major. From ‘G’ to ‘B’ is an interval of a major third (M3). Also, ‘G’ to ‘D’ is an interval of a perfect fifth (P5). Last, From ‘B’ to ‘D’ is an interval of a minor third; thus, the reason for the earlier used phrase, ‘stacking 3rds together.’
How to Play the G Chord Open Position
After the C major open position, this position might be the second most used in guitar playing. Let’s learn how to play this chord shape. It is so common that you might find it twice in every ten guitar songs. This how you play it:
- Place your index (first) finger on the second fret of the fifth (A) string
- Place your middle (second) finger on the third fret of the sixth (low E) string.
- Place your ring (third) finger on the third fret of the first string (high E) string.
Last, strum all six strings down from the low E string. You do not want your first and second fingers to rest on any of the other strings. You need to make sure that you have a nice arch with your first and second fingers. Use the tips of your fingers to place them on the string. Make sure every string rings out clearly.
The second way to play the G Major chord
The second way to play the chord is very similar to the first. The difference is that you will place your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Then you will place your fourth finger on the third fret of the first string.
I see many professional guitar players play the chord in this way. I also like to play the chord this way as well. The chord has a rich, full sound when you play it. It is a matter of preference though – you chose which way you want to play the chord.
How to Play the G Barre Chord Version
Apart from the open position, another common alternative form is the barre chord version. Follow these steps to play the G barre chord in the 3rd position:
- Place your index (first) finger on the 3rd fret across all of the strings. You will hold down all six strings with your index finger.
- Place your second finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Place your ring (third) finger on the 5th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Place your pinky (fourth) finger on the 5th fret of the D (4th) string.
Go ahead and strum all six strings. Use a simple down, down, down strumming pattern when you are first learning the chord. You can then move to a down, down, up strumming pattern to get the feel of strumming across all of the strings.
G Chord Practice Tips
It is common for beginners to find it hard stretching their fingers all across six strings and getting their ring finger to fit perfectly on the 1st string. As with most challenges in life, while learning the guitar, the simple solution is patience.
Once you are comfortable with this barre chord shape, practice moving up the neck of the guitar from the third fret, to the A barre chord on the fifth fret using the same shape. Remember, the A chord is played the same way, except on the fifth fret You can then also slide up two more frets to the B chord on the seventh fret. This is a great way to practice playing the E shape barre chord on the guitar.
Also, practice the open G chord with other chords like C or D. The two most common chords used with the G Major chord are the C Major chord and D Major chord. Practice strumming a G major chord for four beats, then move over to a C or D chord. Do this and keep going back to G.
If you have made it this far and you are comfortable playing all of the chords, you are ready to start playing songs. Great work!!