Which notes are in the G chord?

G contains the notes G, B and D. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.

How many ways can you play G?

Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for G.

Is the G chord hard to play?

Not really. The open position of G uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.

G major · Ukulele

G Chord on Ukulele

The G chord (G major) is built from the notes G, B and D. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below.

Chord diagrams

Gopen position

Fingering

string 4 (G): played open
string 3 (C): fret 2 — index finger
string 2 (E): fret 3 — ring finger
string 1 (A): fret 2 — middle finger

Notes in this chord

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5

How to play

G can be played with open strings on ukulele, which makes it an accessible shape for beginners. Strings marked ○ ring open, while strings marked ✕ are muted.

Theory behind the chord

Major chords sound bright and settled. They are built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, and they carry most of the resolution points in pop, rock and folk. On G this structure sits on the root G, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 map onto G, B and D. G is the I chord in the key of G major, the V chord in D major and the IV chord in C major. Its relative minor is Em, which shares the same set of notes. The most common progression it appears in is G – Em – C – D.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the G chord?: G contains the notes G, B and D. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.
How many ways can you play G?: Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for G.
Is the G chord hard to play?: Not really. The open position of G uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.

Practise G on your phone

Minory bundles the full chord library with a tuner, metronome and repertoire notebook — and it all works offline.