G Guitar Chord

G is the G major chord. It has three notes: G, B and D. The open shape covers all six strings with fretted notes only at the edges: two fingers on the bass strings, one on the high E, and three open strings ringing in the middle. It is one of the most played chords in all of guitar music.

The standard three finger G. Fingers sit on the two bass strings and the high E; everything between rings open.

How to play G, step by step

Index finger: 2nd fret, A string
Middle finger: 3rd fret, low E string
Ring finger: 3rd fret, high E string
Strum all six strings.

G to C and G to D are the changes to practice next. Together the three chords make up the core of the key of G, one of the most common guitar keys of all.

More ways to play G

There are 5 common G shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

G guitar chord diagram, fuller, 4 fingers, played 320033 — Fuller, 4 fingers

G guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 3, played 355433 — Barre at fret 3

G guitar chord diagram, compact, frets 5 to 8, played xx5787 — Compact, frets 5 to 8

G guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 10, played x 10 12 12 12 10 — Barre at fret 10

If G loses strings

The A string is muted: The middle finger on the low E is leaning across it. Come up onto the very tip so the fretted A string note can sound.
The high E buzzes: It is the longest reach in the shape, so the ring finger often lands short of the fret. Bring your wrist forward and place the ring fingertip right behind the 3rd fret.
The open middle strings sound dull: Your palm or fingers are drifting over the fretboard. Keep the knuckles high so the D, G and B strings ring free.

What makes it a G

G · B · D 1 3 5

G major is the root G, the major third B and the fifth D. Its jobs: the I chord in the key of G, the IV chord in D, and the V chord in C. The key of G is a guitar favorite because its main chords, G, C, D and Em, all have easy open shapes. That is why so many folk, country and campfire songs live there and treat G as home.

G vs Gm

The B inside G drops to B♭ in Gm. On paper that is one small move; on the guitar it is a different world. G is a ringing open chord, while Gm has no standard open shape and is played as a barre at the 3rd fret. If a song calls for Gm, expect a barre, because there is no easy detour the way there is with some other minor chords.

G chord questions

Should I learn the 3 finger or 4 finger G?

Start with three fingers. The four finger version frets the B string at 3 so the top two strings ring D and G; many players end up preferring its sound. Both are on this page.

Do you strum all six strings on G?

Yes. All six are chord tones in the open shape, from the G on the low E string to the G on the high E.

Is G hard for beginners?

The reach between the bass strings and the high E takes a few days to open up. After that it becomes one of the most automatic chords you play.

What is the difference between G and Gm?

Gm lowers B to B♭. In practice G is open and easy while Gm needs a barre at fret 3, so the two feel very different on guitar.

What songs use the G chord?

From this page: Simple Man, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Should I Stay or Should I Go and You Shook Me All Night Long. Almost any song in G or D features it.