The key of G major is an important chord in pop, rock, hip-hop, blues, folk, and many other genres. From time immemorial, this key has been called the “blessing key.” Therefore, this is usually the key that a person first practices when learning to play the guitar. Once the chord of G major can be played comfortably and smoothly, you should be one step closer to playing many famous songs.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Learning Basic Chords
Step 1. Re-learn about string names, frets, and tuning
If this is your first time holding a guitar, know the basics of guitar playing before starting to learn chords. There are many simple guides that can be found on the internet.
- The guitar strings are numbered from the bottom up. The thinnest string is the first string, and the thickest is the sixth string. The first string is a high E, the second string is B, the third string is G, the fourth string is D, the fifth string is A, and the sixth string is a low E. You can create mnemonics to help memorize string names.
- The frets are the metal strips on the neck of your guitar. If you are right handed, the first fret is the farthest fret on your left. The second fret farthest from you is the second fret, then the next is the third fret, and so on down to the base of the neck of your guitar.
- You'll also need to remember how to number the fingers on a guitar chord chart. The index finger is the number “1”, the middle finger is “2”, the ring finger is “3”, and the little finger is “4”. The thumbs are not numbered. Therefore, when reading the diagram, don't forget that the thumb is not the first finger.
Step 2. Tune your guitar
You can also purchase an electronic tuner or search the internet for audio guides. Enter the keywords " acoustic guitar tuner " into a search engine in your browser.
- There are also free mobile apps that you can download to your phone to help tune your guitar. These tools are useful if you plan to play or practice guitar while away from home.
- Start tuning from the lowest string, then move to the string above it. Continue tuning in succession and end with a high E string.
- With time and practice, you'll be able to tune your guitar unaided as your ears will be able to distinguish the right notes.
Step 3. Place your ring finger on the third fret on the first string
The third fret on a high E string is the G note. This is the root note that gives the chord its “G” character. Strum one of these strings a few times so you can get used to the sound and be able to play it clearly.
Step 4. Place your index finger on the second fret on the fifth string
The second fret on the A string is the B note. This is one of the three important notes for a G major chord. Strum one of these strings a few times, then strum from the fifth to the first string so you can identify the note well.
Step 5. Place your middle finger on the fret of the sixth string
The third fret on the low E string is a G note, the same as the third fret on the high E string. That is, it is also a root note. Pluck one of these strings alone, then try to shuffle them all together.
Step 6. Shuffle all the strings together to play a chord
The chord of G major is an open chord, which means that all strings that are not pressed are played open. Place your fingers in position, and shuffle all six strings together a few times. Make sure the sound produced is clear.
If your strings sound muffled, readjust your fingers. Press the frets with your fingertips, not the "cushion" part. Also, keep your fingers curled so you don't accidentally press or muffle other strings
Step 7. Practice finger movements to enter and exit chord positions
Finding chord shapes requires muscle memory, which means you'll have to practice them over and over again. Remove your hands from the guitar, and hold them back with your fingers in the chord position.
- If this is the first chord you learn, be patient. At first the chord shape can be difficult to make and you may get stuck. However, as you practice, you'll get better at playing it.
- If you know how to play other chords, practice transitioning from the key of G major to another chord. This will train your fingers to get used to switching chord positions.
- If your fingers are having trouble getting to the notes quickly, tilt the neck of the guitar up. At this angle, your fingers should move more easily.
Method 2 of 3: Learning Alternative Fingering
Step 1. Try a shortened version of the G major chord
All you have to do is put your middle finger on the third fret on the first string to play a shortened version of this chord. Perhaps, you can switch chord positions more easily if you use this position.
This shortened version is not an open chord. You don't shuffle the sixth, fifth, or fourth strings on the guitar. Just shuffle the third, second, and first strings
Step 2. Play the “skirt” G key for a richer, deeper sound
Form a basic G major chord position, then place your pinky on the third fret on the second string. This adds another C to the chord and gives your shuffle a fuller sound.
Some guitarists prefer to replace the little finger with the ring finger. Choose a shape that feels comfortable to you
Step 3. Use your little finger on the high E string
Although by standard G major chords are played by pressing the high E string with your ring finger, you may find it more comfortable to press the high E string with your little finger, the low E string with your ring finger, and the A string with your middle finger.
Step 4. Use the D chord shape at the seventh fret
If you want to know how to make a D chord shape, move your fingers to the seventh fret with your fingers pressing down on the highest three string fret. This position will also produce a G chord sound.
While mimicking the shape of a D chord, place your index and middle fingers on the seventh fret. Your ring finger is on the eighth fret. Your index finger presses on the G string fret, your middle finger presses on the high E string fret, and your ring finger presses on the B string fret
Step 5. Vary with a G7 chord
The G7 chord is a bit tricky to do with your fingers. However, if you are good at playing it, your music will have a blues feel.
- Place your middle finger on the second fret on the A string and your ring finger on the third fret on the low E string. You'll notice that the shape is similar to a standard G chord, only the radius is different.
- Now, stretch the back of your index finger to the first fret of the high E string. Don't forget to curl your fingers so you don't dampen the other strings.
- Shuffle all the strings to play this chord openly.
Method 3 of 3: Playing the Barre G Major Chord
Step 1. Rest your index finger on the third fret
Place your index finger so that it presses on all six guitar strings evenly. Make sure your fingers are as close to the frets as possible without touching them.
- Roll your fingers to the side a little, and don't just lay them down. Your fingertips should extend past the edge of the fretboard.
- You will need to experiment with moving your wrist slightly until you find a position that is most comfortable for you. Make sure your thumbs are pinching the neck of the guitar really hard so that your barre fingers stay straight and firm as you press down on the strings.
Step 2. Create an E major chord with the remaining radius
G major barre chords are part of the E barre chord family. Since you're barre at the third fret, shaping an E major chord will result in a G major barre chord.
Place your pinky on the D string at the fifth fret, your ring finger on the A string at the fifth fret, and your middle finger on the G string at the fourth fret
Step 3. Whisk the six guitar strings
When your fingers are in position, shuffle all the strings open to play the chord of G major. Make sure all strings vibrate clearly and unmuffled.
- You may need to gently shuffle all six strings to check the sound on each string.
- Make sure your non-barreled fingers are curled so that you're pressing down on the frets with just your fingertips.
- Don't forget that this chord takes a lot of practice to become fluent. Don't give up if you are struggling at first.
Tips
- Combine chord learning with practice to improve finger strength and dexterity. This will help stretch your tendons so that the G major chord and other chords are easier to play.
- Try to learn songs that have the key of G major. Perhaps, practice will be more fun if the key is played along with a favorite song even if you don't know the other chords yet. Just play the chords when you listen to the key of G.
