How To Play G Chord on Piano (G Major Chord)


The G chord on piano is made up of three notes: G B D. This is a major chord - G major chord

Here you'll find a G chord diagram, learn the fingering, notes, inversions and some basic theory for the G major chord. You can also find out what G/B and G/D means. 

The G Chord

The G ChordG Chord Diagram

The G major chord has the notes G, B and D.

These notes can be played in any order but it's a good idea to keep G as the very lowest note - for example, in your left hand. 

I generally play the chord in my right hand and a G as a bass note in my left hand. 

When you're just beginning, you play this chord generally in root position, as written in the picture above. 

Fingering for G Chord

The best fingers to use in root position - what you see above - is your thumb, middle finger and pinkie. In your right hand, the finger numbers are 1 3 5. (Left hand is 5 3 1.)

G Chord Inversions

You can play the G chord in different positions - called inversions. This is the next step after you're comfortable with root position. 

Below are the different positions or inversions for the G chord on piano. 

Root position: G B D

First inversion: B D G (fingers 1 2 5 - RH)

Second inversion: D G B

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G/B 

If you see the chord G/B, this means to play the G chord with B as it's lowest note.

So on the piano, you'll play the G chord in the right hand and B as the left hand note.

Or if you're playing the chord in your left hand, play the first inversion of the chord. 

G/D

If you need to play G/D, this means to play the G chord with D as the lowest note. 

To play this, you can play the G chord in your right hand and a D as the left hand note.

If you want to play the chord in your left hand, play the second inversion of the chord. 

G Major Chord Theory

The G major chord is based off of the G major scale.

A major chord has the formula of 1 3 5 - meaning you play the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the scale, in this case, the G major scale. 

G major scale(Notes are: G A B C D E F# G)

So for the G major chord, you play the first note of the scale - G. Then the third note of the scale - B and then fifth note - D. 

That is how the G chord is made and the G scale is it's foundation. 

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    That's really all you need to know about the G major chord on the piano. 

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    Free Download:

    Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet

    Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet

    Subscribe below and get free access to the (printable) Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheet.

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