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
G Chord DiagramThe 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
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.
(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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