G — the G major guitar chord

This G major is a light, open take on one of the most played chords there is: two fingers on the outer strings, everything between them ringing. The habit to build is skipping the A string. It stays silent in this shape, so let the tip of the finger on the low E rest against it, or aim your strum to glance past it.

G
1×4

How to play it

  • Index finger on the low E string (6th), 3rd fret.
  • Pinky on the high E string (1st), 3rd fret.
  • Let the open D string (4th), G string (3rd) and B string (2nd) ring.
  • Don't strum the A string (5th). It stays silent in this shape.

Changes to practice

Holding G still is the easy part. Songs need you to arrive at it in rhythm, so in Strumhold you practice G as changes, alongside the rest of the Open Majors set: