All 4 ways to play G on guitar
-
320003 open position -
355433 at the 3rd fret -
xx5787 at the 5th fret -
x-10-9-7-8-7 at the 7th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play G on guitar
Main shape: 320003 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the low E (6th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Let the D (4th), G (3rd) and B (2nd) strings ring open (marked O).
- Strum all 6 strings.
G notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | root |
| B | 3 | major 3rd |
| D | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: G/B (1st inversion) and G/D (2nd inversion).
G on piano and ukulele
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G on piano G – B – D -
G on ukulele 0232
Which keys use G?
G is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | G | V | dominant |
| A minor | G | VII | dominant |
| G major | G | I | tonic |
| E minor | G | III | tonic |
| D major | G | IV | predominant |
| B minor | G | VI | tonic or predominant |
| C minor | G | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with G
- I–IV–V–I in C major: C – F – G – C The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in C major: C – G – Am – F The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in C major: Am – F – C – G The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in C major: C – Am – F – G The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in C major: C – F – Am – G The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.