Playing a G chord on guitar is easy with all of its different variations and finger positions on the neck.
It’s also one of the most popular chords on acoustic guitar because many songs have a G major chord in them. That’s why this is one of the first chords you should learn on guitar when you are just starting out as a beginner.
Let’s look at the music theory behind a G chord and how to wrap your fingers around it.
What is a G Major Chord on Guitar?
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What notes are in a G chord?
G major is a triad chord compound by three notes: G, B, and D. The G note is the root followed by the B – major third, two steps from the root, and D – perfect fifth, three and a half steps from the root, G.
When working on G major key, it’s important to consider the only sharp that affects the F note, which makes the G major scale the following: G – A – B – C – D – E – F# – G.
G Chord Guitar Finger Positions
You can play the G chord on acoustic guitar in multiple positions all the way up the neck. Here’s a list of the most common chord position variations on the fretboard.
- Open chord
- 3rd position
- 5th position
- 7th position
- 10th position
- 12th position
How to Play an Open G Chord on Guitar
G major can be played as an open chord in two different G chord variations and finger positions.
Open G Major Finger Position #1
You can start by placing your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. After that, put your 2nd finger on 3rd fret of the E string. Lastly, set your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the e string.
Open G Major Finger Position #2
For this second alternative, fingers 1 and 2 will do exactly as they did on the previous fingering. But in this case, the 3rd finger will go on the 3rd fret of the B string, while the 4th finger will be included, to be set on the on 3rd fret of the 1st string.
Both alternatives sound quite similar compared to each other; therefore, choice should be made mainly based on personal ease.
Short tip for beginners: it’s usually easier to place the fingers that go on the upper strings before laying fingers 1 and 2 on the lower strings.
5 Different G Chord Guitar Variations
How to Play a G Chord at the 3rd Fret
The 3rd position G major chord is typically call the G barre chord because you hold all of the strings down with your first finger creating a “barre.”
Begin by putting your 2nd finger on the 4th fret of the G string.
Next, place your 3rd finger on 5th fret of the A string, and right after that, set your 4th finger on the 5th fret of the D string.
Lastly, make a whole bar with your 1st finger throughout the 3rd fret – make sure to cover every string!
How to Play a G M Guitar Chord at the 5th Fret
Lay your 1st finger on the 5th fret of the D string.
Then, stick your 2nd finger on the 7th fret of the G string, and your 3rd finger on the same fret, but on the e string.
Finally, rest your 4th finger on the 8th fret of the B string.
G Major Chord Guitar tip: You can also barre the 4th and 5th string with your 1st finger to get an extra D note in the chord as well. 🙂
How to Play a G M Chord at the 7th Fret
Position your 1st finger on the 7th fret of the G string and bar it over the 7th fret of the G, B, and high E strings.
Next, put your 4th finger on the 10th fret of the D string.
Finally, place your 2nd finger on the 8th fret of the B string, and lay your 3rd finger on the 9th fret of the D string.
Guitar Chord Shape Tip: You’ll notice that this chord shape looks a lot like the open C chord. That’s because it’s the same shape. You just moved it up the fretboard with your first finger acting as the open strings. You can also put your 4th finger on the 10th fret of the e string to add an extra D note at the end.
How to Play a G Major Guitar Chord at the 10th Fret
Use your 1st finger to make a half bar on 10th fret, pressing the first five strings down on the instrument.
Then, bring your 3rd finger to barre the 12th frets of the D, G, and B strings.
Then you can play the 10th fret with your first finger on the high E string.
G Guitar Chord Position Tip: Sometimes it’s a little difficult to barre the three strings with your third finger, so you can use your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers if it makes it easier. Also, after you strum the chord, you can high the high G on the 15th fret of the high e string with your 4th finger to add a little arpeggio to it.
How to Play a G Major Chord on the 12th Fret
This G-chord is an octave higher than the open chord we learned at the beginning of this lesson, so the G M guitar chord shape will look exactly the same on the guitar. The only difference is you will be using your first finger as a barre instead of strumming open strings. You can see this in the G guitar chord chart.
First, place your third finger on the 15th fret of the low E string. Then place your second finger on the 14th fret of the A string.
Now put your 4th finger on the the 15th fret of the high e string. Does this look familiar? It’s the same chord shape as the open chord.
Finally, barre all the strings with your first finger across the 12th fret. Congrats, you can play G chords an octave higher on the guitar neck!
Now It’s Time to Start Playing
Now you know how to play G on guitar! G is a great chord to learn when you are first starting out on guitar. It’s easy and fits in all kinds of songs. After you learn how to play it in the open position, you should try out some of the variations and incorporate them into your playing.
Each of the different positions changes the sound slightly because they change the order of the notes to create inversions of the same chord. Thus, some of the chords might start with the root while others start with the third or fifth.
It’s fun. You’ll get all the theory stuff after a little while. The important part is that you just play with them and make some music! If you want to learn more about the theory and different ways to play chords, you should check out some guitar lessons online. They are full of great resources and ways to help you learn new tips and playing techniques.
