G major (G) chord on piano

Major triad on G: the notes of the G chord are G – B – D.

Root position: G4 – B4 – D5

What the G chord sounds like

A major triad sounds stable and bright: root, major third and perfect fifth. Most songs are built on major chords – in a major key, chords I, IV and V are all major.

Notes of the G chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	G	root
3	B	major third (4 semitones)
5	D	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

G4 – B4 – D5

1st inversion

B4 – D5 – G5

2nd inversion

D5 – G5 – B5

Which keys is it in?

The G chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

G major: I (tonic)
C major: V (dominant)
D major: IV (subdominant)
C minor: V (dominant)
A minor: VII
E minor: III
B minor: VI

Similar chords and substitutes

If G is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

Em – relative minor: two shared notes, a common stand-in for the tonic
Bm – mediant minor (iii): two shared notes
Gmaj7 – a softer, jazzier tonic colour
Gsus4 – suspended version that resolves back to this chord

Richer versions

G7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Gmaj7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
G6 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Gadd9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the G chord?

G, B, D. The root is G; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major third, perfect fifth.

How do I play the G chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the G chord written?

The chord symbol is G, and its full name is G major.