G Major Chord

The G Major chord consists of the G, B, and D notes. Again, the major chord consists of a root note, and major third and perfect fifth above.

Open Position G Major Chord

fig 1            Alt 1           1st Inv         2nd Inv       
|-|-|-|p|-| G   |-|-|-|p|-| G   |-|-|-|p|-| G   |-|-|-|p|-| G 
|-|-|-|r|-| D   |o|-|-|-|-| B   |o|-|-|-|-| B   |o|-|-|-|-| B 
|o|-|-|-|-| G   |o|-|-|-|-| G   |o|-|-|-|-| G   |o|-|-|-|-| G 
|o|-|-|-|-| D   |o|-|-|-|-| D   |o|-|-|-|-| D   |o|-|-|-|-| D 
|-|-|i|-|-| B   |-|-|m|-|-| B   |-|-|m|-|-| B   |-|-|-|-|-|  
|-|-|-|m|-| G   |-|-|-|r|-| G   |-|-|-|-|-|     |-|-|-|-|-|   
 0 1 2 3 4       0 1 2 3 4       0 1 2 3 4       0 1 2 3 4    

The first chart shows the classic rock position and fingering. It is rather easy to finger this way, and because you use the D (2nd string, 3rd fret) instead of open string B, you get more of a power chord feel - 3 roots, 2 fifths, and 1 major third.

The Alt 1 is the classical way to play a G chord. Notice it retains strict open position by using your ring finger on the low G on the 3rd fret. This is rather difficult to finger, especially for a beginner. But it's worth trying - once you develop your finger stretching enough to make the shape, it can help open up the left hand to more complex shapes.

Also included are 1st and 2nd inversion.

Harmonic Theory: Dominant Chord

The G is a perfect fifth interval above C. In the key of C Major, the G Major chord is thus called the V chord (that's the roman numeral five, not 'Vee'). It's notes are the perfect 5th, major 7th, and major 9th (2nd) of the key.

The major seventh is called the leading tone because it naturally "wants" to resolve up a half step to the tonic note. The B note in the G Major chord can move up a half-step to C.

The root note of the V chord is also the fifth of the I chord, making its transition from the V to the I chord seamless. The G in the chord becomes the fifth of the C chord (C E G).

The fifth of the V chord is the 9th or 2nd of the I chord. For G, this is the D note. It can descend one whole-step to the root note of the I chord (C) for a very peaceful resolution or ascend one whole-step to the major 3rd of the I chord (E) for a richer harmony.

This makes the V chord ideal to lead into the I chord. This is called an authentic cadence.

The V chord is also called the Dominant chord.