How to Play a 6 String G Chord for Guitar

Learning to play the six-string G chord can add both technical proficiency and harmonic vocabulary to your guitar playing. Since the chord uses all six strings, and all four left-hand fingers, it can be used to build strength and dexterity in the left hand. It can also be used as an alternative to the open position G chord with which most guitar players are familiar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lay the left-hand index finger down across all six strings on the third fret. Once all of the other fingers have been placed the index finger will play three notes, the root G, the fifth D and one more root G. Use the left-side of the index finger, instead of the palm side, in order to make this chord easier.

2. Position the left-hand ring finger on the fifth fret of the fifth string. This is the fifth of the chord, D.

3. Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fifth fret of the fourth string, which is the root of the chord, G.

4. Position the left-hand middle finger on the fourth fret of the third string to produce the third of the chord, B.

5. 
    

   Strum all six strings to produce a six-string G chord.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not continue to practice if you feel pain in the left hand, wrist or forearm. Stop, rest and stretch to prevent further pain in the left arm.

Resources

• Guide to Practicing Guitar Chords
• Guitar Player Lesson Page