G is one of the first chords most new guitarists learn, and all methods sound equally satisfying.
The classic open G shape utilizes all four fingers and is the standard way of playing a G chord. There is also an easier version that only requires two.
Open G
Open G tuning is an ideal way to learn major chords quickly thanks to its easy access via movable barre shapes. Some guitarists, such as Keith Richards, even opt for skipping the low sixth string altogether while strumming these chords for maximum ease of playback.
Minor chords and dominant sevenths can also be easily played with open g, and practicing these techniques makes for an excellent way to learn how to create blues harmony. This tuning makes a good place for practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs which are essential components in blues harmony.
Advanced players may benefit from tuning to open G, as it provides the perfect environment to practice arpeggios – broken chords which expand your understanding of the fretboard and lead playing techniques. A song like Brown Sugar serves as an example of using these chords and arpeggios together for creating a great blues rock tune.
C/G
G is an extremely versatile chord key used in various genres of music. It serves as the official key of both British and New Zealand national anthems; features in popular country songs like Sweet Home Alabama and Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door; as well as being widely employed for classical compositions.
Beginners often find the open G chord challenging. It requires stretching across your neck with their index finger to fret strings two and three simultaneously, which requires reaching across with both index fingers simultaneously. Therefore, most beginners prefer learning its four finger version instead – as in Example 1a.
In this version of the G chord, your middle finger should be placed on the second fret of the A string; your index finger on the third fret of the B string; and your ring finger on the fifth fret of the high E string. This technique creates a full sounding G chord that is easy to switch into other chords; its only drawback being lack of bass note found in standard G major chord.
E/G
Based on your musical goals, G chords can take many different forms. A “Rockin’ G” doesn’t contain either major or minor third intervals and doesn’t technically qualify as a G chord; nonetheless, many guitarists refer to it as such due to its sound on electric guitar with overdrive.
Two finger G chords are also very popular, especially among beginning guitarists and work well in most songs that call for G chords. Requiring only two fingers to fret all six strings makes them easy for even novice guitarists. Additionally, their versatility makes them useful in many popular covers of popular songs that utilize G chords.
An alternative to the classic two finger G chord is the F# diminished chord, also referred to as an F#dim or G6 chord. By eliminating major and minor third intervals from its counterpart, this variation achieves a cleaner sound when played overdrive on electric guitar – ideal for rock music! For something a bit different try F# diminished as an alternative.
A/G
One of the first chords most guitarists learn is an open G chord. This chord uses all six guitar strings, giving a full-sounding chord. However, G also provides numerous other chord shapes that you can incorporate into your music.
As an example, A/G chord is a G chord composed of the tones A(1) and G(2); this slash chord features your chord on one side while on the other is its lowest tone (the bass).
Muting the A string can produce another variation of this chord (Example 5), creating more of a G5 chord – typically used by AC/DC. This chord has its own distinct sound compared to its counterparts and works particularly well when used with overdrive and distortion effects; you’ll often hear this chord played during tracks such as Highway to Hell and Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC, making this choice suitable for playing either rock or country music.