How to Play a G Major Chord on the Piano

Playing the G major chord, or triad, on the piano is very much the same as playing triads in C major. Although G has a sharp in its key signature, it is not located on the first, third or fifth notes of the scale, which are the only notes used in major triad chords. Correct fingering on the piano keyboard allows you to easily play a G major chord.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Right Hand

1. Find a G key on the piano keyboard and place your thumb over that key.

2. Count up a major third to B and place your middle finger over that key.

3. Place your little finger over D, a perfect fifth up from G.

4. Press all three keys down simultaneously to play the G major triad chord in root position.

5. Move your thumb over B, your index finger over D and your little finger over G an octave higher than the G key used in the root position chord. Press all three keys down simultaneously to play the first inversion of the G major triad.

6. Put your thumb over D, your middle finger over the G key used in the first inversion chord and your little finger over B an octave higher than the B key used in the root position chord. Press all three keys down simultaneously to play the second inversion of the G major triad.

Left Hand

7. Place your little finger over a G key on the piano.

8. Move up a major third from G and place your middle finger on B.

9. Count up a perfect fifth and place your thumb on D.

10. Press all three keys down simultaneously to play a G major triad in root position.

11. Put your little finger over B, your middle finger over D and thumb over the G key an octave higher than the root position G key. Press the three keys down simultaneously to play the first inversion of the G major chord.

12. Adjust your fingering so your little finger is over D, your index finger is over the G key from the first inversion and your thumb is over B an octave higher than the B key used in the root position chord. Press the three keys down simultaneously to play the second inversion of the G major triad.

Tips & Warnings

• The fifth note of a major scale is the only note that stays the same throughout the first and second inversion chords. The first and third notes of the chord move up an octave during inversions.