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Step 1
Start with your G major scale. The major scale is the notes you would sing for "do re mi..." and goes a full octave. For the key of G, it goes like this: G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G.
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Step 2
Identify your scale notes. For a major chord, you're using the first, third and fifth scale notes. For G major, G is the first, followed by B for the third and D for the fifth.
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Step 3
Put your middle finger on the third fret of the bottom string of the guitar. This is the first scale note, G.
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Step 4
Add your index finger on the second fret of the A string (second string from bottom). This is B, the third scale note.
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Step 5
Leave the next two strings open. You don't have to put fingers on the two middle strings, D and G, because both of those notes are not in our recipe. An open D and an open G complement the chord very well, which makes G major a popular chord for beginners.
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Step 6
Place your ring finger on the third fret of the B string (second string from top). This is another D note, the fifth.
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Step 7
Finish with your pinkie finger on the third fret of the high E string. You're ending with another G, your first scale note. You'll see you have "three G's." The first scale note is generally repeated a lot in open chords to reinforce the sound of the chord in that key.
