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.