All 4 ways to play G# on guitar
-
43111x at the 1st fret -
466544 at the 4th fret -
xx6898 at the 6th fret -
x-11-10-8-9-8 at the 8th 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: 43111x (at the 1st fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the D (4th) to the B (2nd) string at the 1st fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 4th fret of the low E (6th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Don't play the high E (1st) string (marked X).
- Strum from the low E (6th) string down (5 strings).
G# notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| G♯ | 1 | root |
| B♯ (= C) | 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).
Easier ways to play G#
- Put a capo on the 1st fret and play the open G shape: it sounds as G♯.
- In rock songs, the G♯5 power chord (G♯ and D♯ only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
G# on piano and ukulele
-
G♯ piano chord G♯ – B♯ – D♯ -
G♯ on ukulele 1343
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| E♭ major | A♭ | IV | predominant |
| C minor | A♭ | VI | tonic or predominant |
| A♭ major | A♭ | I | tonic |
| F minor | A♭ | III | tonic |
| D♭ major | A♭ | V | dominant |
| B♭ minor | A♭ | VII | dominant |
| C♯ minor | G♯ | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with G#
- I–IV–V–I in E♭ major: E♭ – A♭ – B♭ – E♭ The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in E♭ major: E♭ – B♭ – Cm – A♭ The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in E♭ major: Cm – A♭ – E♭ – B♭ The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in E♭ major: E♭ – Cm – A♭ – B♭ The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in E♭ major: E♭ – A♭ – Cm – B♭ The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.