transpose.siteG chord (G major)
The G chord is a major chord built on G. A major triad: the root with a major third and a perfect fifth on top. It sounds bright and settled, which is why it opens and closes so many songs.
G guitar chord
Common shape
Barre, root on 6th string (fret 3)
The left vertical line is the 6th (thickest) string. Numbers in dots are fingers (1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little), × means don't play that string and ○ means open.
Play it the easy way with a capo
- Capo on fret 3 + E shape
- Capo on fret 5 + D shape
- Capo on fret 7 + C shape
With a capo on for the whole song, every other chord moves by the same number of frets.
G chord notes
| Degree | 1 (root) | 3 (major 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | G | B | D |
G piano chord
On piano, press these 3 notes together. Bass players usually play the root, G.
Keys that use G
- C major: V
- D major: IV
- G major: I
- E minor: III
- A minor: VII
- B minor: VI
Progressions in C major
- C – G – Am – F (I – V – vi – IV, the most common pop progression)
- C – Am – F – G (I – vi – IV – V, the '50s progression, ballads)
Transposing G
One half step up, G becomes A♭; one half step down, F♯. To change the key of a whole PDF score, open it in the free PDF transposer.