How to Play the G Major Chord on Guitar
G Major Chord Overview
Notes
G-B-D
Interval Build & Degrees
I-III-V (Root, Major Third, and Perfect Fifth)
Tab
3-2-0-0-0-3 (G-B-D-G-B-G) or 3-2-0-0-3-3 (G-B-D-G-D-G)
G Major Step by Step Instructions
Here is how you play G Major:
1. Place your middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string (low E)
2. Place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A)
3. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the first string (high E)
4. Leave the second, third, and four strings “open”
5. Strum all six strings for an open G Major chord
Since the third fret on the second string is a D (the perfect third), you can also play a G Major by using your ring finger on that note and your pinky on the first string G.
2. Place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A)
3. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the first string (high E)
4. Leave the second, third, and four strings “open”
5. Strum all six strings for an open G Major chord
Since the third fret on the second string is a D (the perfect third), you can also play a G Major by using your ring finger on that note and your pinky on the first string G.
Common G Major Voicings on Guitar
G Major Barre Chord (6th string root)
3-5-5-4-3-3G Major Using 5th String as the Root
X-10-12-12-12-10G Major Using 4th String as the Root
X-X-5-4-3-X-G Major First Inversion
x-x-x-4-3-3 (B as the root)G Major Second Inversion
X-X-X-7-8-7 (D as the root)Famous Songs That Use the G Major Chord
- Creep by Radiohead
- Good Riddance Time Of Your Life by Green Day
- You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
- Knockin On Heavens Door by Bob Dylan
- Whiskey In The Jar by Thin Lizzy