The G major chord contains 3 notes: G – B – D (root, major 3rd, perfect 5th). On guitar, the standard open position is 320003 — all 6 strings ring. It is the tonic chord of G major and one of the most resonant, full-sounding open chords on guitar.
The G major chord is one of the foundational chords in Western music. Containing just three notes — G – B – D — it forms the tonic chord of the key of G major and appears as a diatonic chord in several other keys.
The G Major Chord
Character & Usage
Full and resonant — all 6 strings ring. One of the most satisfying open chords on guitar. The slight stretch is worth mastering early.
Pop, country, folk, rock. The G chord anchors thousands of songs.
How to Play the G Major Chord
The standard open position is: 320003 — fingers on 6th string 3rd fret, 5th string 2nd fret, 1st string 3rd fret. Take it slowly — focus on getting each string to ring cleanly before worrying about speed. Muted strings (indicated by 'x') should be avoided with your fretting hand by letting fingers lightly touch them.
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
The MusoKit Chord Finder shows every voicing for every chord — on guitar, piano, and bass.
Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G major chord?
The G major chord contains G – B – D. Built from: Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th.
How do you play the G major chord on guitar?
320003 — fingers on 6th string 3rd fret, 5th string 2nd fret, 1st string 3rd fret
What keys is the G major chord in?
The G major chord naturally appears in: G major, C major, D major, E minor.
What is the difference between G major and G minor?
G major contains G – B – D. G minor replaces the major 3rd with a minor 3rd — giving it a darker, more melancholic sound while keeping the same root and fifth.
See also: Chord Finder · Chord Progression Generator · Scale Explorer