How to Play an Open G Major Chord on the Guitar

The first chord many guitar players learn is Open G Major. G is the tonic, or root chord of the key G, which may be the easiest of all keys to play. Learning G won't make you a musician but it will get you on your way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Place your third (middle) finger on the top (E) string inside the third fret. This will play G, the tonic or root note of the chord.

2. Press your pinky finger on the bottom sting (high E) third fret. This will play a G two octaves higher.

3. Put your index finger on the second string from the top (the A string), inside the second fret. This will play B the third note in the G chord triad (first, third and fifth; G, B, D). The open strings play G, D, and B respectively to create a two octave chord.

4. Strum with your fingers or with a pick. Chords are typically played from top string (low note) down on the first beat, and bottom string up on the back beat.

5. Practice your fingering several times until you can play the chord without thinking. Practice finger picking. When you're sure you've got it, add it with other chords to make a song.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also play the chord with your ring finger inside the third fret of the next to last (B) string. This will play three D's and one B in the chord.
• Guitar strings are ordered top to bottom, lowest note to highest note.
• Don't forget to tune your guitar. G sounds great in tune, but drive your friends away when it isn't.
• G is known as the "Cowboy Chord," perhaps because you can combine it with D and C major to bluff your way through just about any song.

Resources

• Video demonstration
• Chord charts