G-Major Chord Guide

This page dives into the G major chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it rings out in iconic songs. G-major (G • B • D) is one of the first chords every guitarist learns: bright, open, and full of country/rock/folk energy.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play G major

Classic Open Position (320033)

Easy Three-Finger (3x0033)

Full Barre (355433)

High Voicing (xx5433)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

G-major contains the major third (B), so bright major-family scales shine. Here are essentials with easy open-position ascending tabs.

Major Family Modes

• G Ionian (Major): G A B C D E F#
  

  
  e|---------------------------2-3-|
  B|-----------------------3-5-----|
  G|-----------------2-4-5---------|
  D|-----------2-4-5---------------|
  A|-----2-3-5---------------------|
  E|-3-5---------------------------|

• C Lydian: C D E F# G A B C
  

  
  e|-------------------------5-7-8-|
  B|--------------------5-7-8------|
  G|------------2-4-5-7------------|
  D|------2-4-5--------------------|
  A|--3-5--------------------------|
  E|-------------------------------|

• D Mixolydian: D E F# G A B C D
  

  
  e|-----------------------------7-8-10-|
  B|----------------------7-8-10--------|
  G|------------------7-9---------------|
  D|-----------7-9-10-------------------|
  A|----7-9-10--------------------------|
  E|-10---------------------------------|

Minor Family Modes (for relative minor feel)

• E Minor Natural (relative minor): E F# G A B C D
  

  
  e|-----------------------------0-|
  B|-----------------------0-1-3---|
  G|-------------------0-2---------|
  D|-------------0-2-4-------------|
  A|-------0-2-3-------------------|
  E|-0-2-3-------------------------|

Pentatonics

• G-Major Pentatonic: G A B D E
  

  
  e|-------------------0-3-|
  B|---------------0-3-----|
  G|-----------0-2---------|
  D|-------0-2-------------|
  A|---2-5-----------------|
  E|-3---------------------|

• E Minor Pentatonic (relative): E G A B D
  

  
  e|---------------------0-3-|
  B|-----------------0-3-----|
  G|-------------0-2---------|
  D|---------0-2-------------|
  A|-----0-2-----------------|
  E|-0-3---------------------|

G-Major in Legendary Songs

The open G chord is a cornerstone of countless classics across genres:

• "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd – Iconic intro built around G and Em.
• "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day – Strumming pattern revolves around an open G chord.
• "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd – D-C-G progression that defined Southern rock.
• "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison – Classic G-C-D-Em sequence.
• "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan – Simple yet powerful G-D-Am and G-D-C.
• "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty – Opens with that ringing open G.