How to Play a 4 String G Chord for Guitar

The 4 string G chord is located in the third position of the guitar, which means that the left hand index finger is located on the third fret. In comparison to the commonly used open-position G chord, the 4 string G chord has fewer notes and is located in a higher range on the instrument. Both of these aspects can add a new harmonic sound to any song or piece of music you are learning that contains a G chord.

Instructions

1. Lay your left hand index finger on the fifth fret of the fourth string to sound the note G, the root of the chord.

2. Place your left hand ring finger on the seventh fret of the first string which the third of the chord, the note B.

3. Position the left hand pinky finger on the eighth fret of the second string. This is the note G, the root of the chord.

4. Put your left hand index finger on the seventh fret of the third string to produce the note D, the fifth of the chord.

5. 

   Strum all 4 notes, G, D, G, B, with a pick or right hand finger to produce the 4 string G chord.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning to recognize the note G on the fourth string of the guitar will make grabbing this chord easier and quicker.

Resources

• Practice Tips for Chords on the Guitar