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)

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

Easy Three-Finger (3x0033)

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

Full Barre (355433)

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

High Voicing (xx5433)

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

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.