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G(Major Chord)

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

Notes
G – B – D
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7
Type
Triad

🎹 G on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the G chord.

R
G(Root (R))
2
B(Major 3rd)
3
D(Perfect 5th)

🎸 G on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): 320003(x=mute, 0=open)

3
E
2
A
0
D
0
G
0
B
3
e

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in G
RootRoot (R)0G
3rdMajor 3rd4B
5thPerfect 5th7D

About the G Major Chord

The G chord (G Major) consists of 3 notes: G, B, D. A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

To build any major chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from G: the notes land on G, B, D.

Playing G on Piano

Press G, B, D simultaneously. In root position, G is lowest. First inversion places B in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses D as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using G

  • I–IV–V: G – C – D (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: G – D – Em – C (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: G – Em – C – D (50s progression)

The G Chord in Context

As a major chord, G is the tonic (I) in the key of G major. It also appears as the IV chord in D major, and as the V chord in C major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other G Chords

Gm
Minor
G7
Dominant 7th
Gmaj7
Major 7th
Gm7
Minor 7th
Gdim
Diminished
Gaug
Augmented

Major Chord in All 12 Keys

CC#DD#EFF#GG#AA#B
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play G on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 G Scale
Notes that fit G
🎶 Songs
Find songs using G

FAQ

G Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G chord?
The G Major chord contains: G, B, D. These notes are derived by applying the major interval formula (0–4–7 semitones) to the root note G.
What is the G chord used for?
A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth. The G chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of G major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play G on piano?
On piano, play G, B, D simultaneously. In root position, G is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has B lowest, second inversion has D lowest.
How many notes are in a major chord?
A major chord has 3 notes: G, B, D (in G). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between G major and G minor?
The G major chord (G–B–D) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The G minor chord (G–A#–D) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does G belong to?
G naturally serves as the I chord in the key of G major. It also appears as IV in the key of D major, and as V in the key of C major.
Can I play G on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The G chord notes (G, B, D) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with G?
In the key of G major, G pairs naturally with C major (IV), D major (V), and Em (vi). The classic I–IV–V (G–C–D) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of G?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. G root position: G in bass. First inversion: B in bass. Second inversion: D in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a major chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–7 semitones from root. For G: start on G, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major chord.