The G Major chord is easily one of the most popular guitar chords. The open G chord is one of the first chords that most guitarists learn. The open chord version of G uses all six guitar strings, so it feels and sounds like a ‘full’ chord.
The key of G is also a very popular key, with many Pop, Rock and Folk songs having been written in the key of G. Most of the chords in the key of G are also very common open chords (D, Em, C, Am) so it’s an obvious favourite for guitarist.
Some Quick G Chord Theory
- The G Major chord contains the notes G, B and D.
- The G Major chord is produced by playing the 1st (root), 3rd and 5th notes of the G Major scale.
- The G chord (just like all Major chords) contains the following intervals (from the root note): Major 3rd, minor 3rd, Perfect 4th (back to the root note).
- The G chord is the first chord in the key of G Major. The seven chords in the key of G Major are: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F# diminished.
10 Ways To Play The G Major Chord
If you’ve come to this page just to view some chord diagrams for G, here they are.

Further Reading
- G Major scale
- How Major chords work
- Chords page
- G Major arpeggio