G Chord

The most fundamental happy-sounding chord — root, major 3rd, perfect 5th.

G
324EADGBe
Notes in this voicing: G · B · D
Root
G
Quality
Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Open

String-by-String Fingering

Low EFret 3

Fret the Low E string at fret 3 with your ring finger (G).

AFret 2

Fret the A string at fret 2 with your middle finger (B).

DO

Play the D string open (D).

GO

Play the G string open (G).

BO

Play the B string open (B).

High EFret 3

Fret the High E string at fret 3 with your pinky finger (G).

Finger Number Legend

1Index
2Middle
3Ring
4Pinky

How to Play It

  • Start your strum from the Low E string and avoid any strings marked X.
  • Keep your fingertips close to the fret wire so the G chord rings without buzz.
  • Fret notes on the tips of your fingers to avoid muting adjacent strings.
  • Strum only the strings the chord uses — no wandering thumb.

Suggested Strumming Pattern

Down, down-up, down-up, down-up; start slowly and listen for every open string to ring clearly.

Common Mistakes

  • Muting the high E string with a lazy 3rd finger.
  • Buzz on the 3rd string from insufficient pressure.

Songs That Use This Chord Type

  • Wonderwall — Oasis
  • Let It Be — The Beatles
  • Sweet Home Alabama — Lynyrd Skynyrd

Alternative Shape

3fr134211EADGBe

Try this movable version when you need a different neck position, a tighter rock rhythm sound, or a smoother transition from nearby barre chords.

Related Chords

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