Major chord
Level 3: Barre chords
Notes: G, B, D · Frets 5 to 8
Also known as: G, G major, Gmaj
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), G major. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), G major. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play G major
- Place your first finger on the fifth fret of the D string.
- Place your second finger on the seventh fret of the G string.
- Place your third finger on the seventh fret of the high E string.
- Place your fourth finger on the eighth fret of the B string.
- Strum only the D, G, B and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.
Chord video
Watch G major, step by step
A short animation that builds the G major chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice G major
Practice progression
G, A, B
Switch between G, A and B until the changes feel smooth.