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G major (G) on guitar

The G major scale consists of the notes G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯ and has 1 sharp. Below you can see every usable note on the neck up to fret 15.

G majorMajor scale

♪ Click a note on the fretboard to hear its sound.

E
B
G
D
A
E
0123•45•67•89•101112••131415•
Root noteOther notes
Click a note to hear it · frets 0–15

Chords in G major

Common progression: G – D – Em – C (I–V–vi–IV).

Quick overview

Root note
G
Mode
major
Key signature
1 sharp
Pentatonic
G A B D E
Relative key
E minor

Well-known songs in G major

  • A Hard Day's NightThe Beatles
  • All You Need Is LoveThe Beatles
  • American PieDon McLean
  • Bad to the BoneGeorge Thorogood
  • BlackbirdThe Beatles
  • Brown Eyed GirlVan Morrison
  • CreepRadiohead
  • DesperadoEagles
  • Every Rose Has Its ThornPoison
  • Fortunate SonCreedence Clearwater Revival
  • Free BirdLynyrd Skynyrd
  • Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)Green Day
  • Honky Tonk WomenThe Rolling Stones
  • Knockin' on Heaven's DoorBob Dylan
  • Let Her GoPassenger
  • Live ForeverOasis
  • Money for NothingDire Straits
  • Paradise CityGuns N' Roses
  • Ramblin' ManThe Allman Brothers Band
  • Redemption SongBob Marley
  • Ring of FireJohnny Cash
  • Shake It OffTaylor Swift
  • ShallowLady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
  • Sittin' On the Dock of the BayOtis Redding
  • Stormy MondayThe Allman Brothers Band
  • Take It EasyEagles
  • TushZZ Top
  • Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day
  • Whiskey in the JarThin Lizzy
  • Wild HorsesThe Rolling Stones
  • Wish You Were HerePink Floyd
  • Wonderful TonightEric Clapton
  • Yellow SubmarineThe Beatles
  • You Shook Me All Night LongAC/DC
  • Ziggy StardustDavid Bowie

Key of the original recording; live versions or covers may differ.

CAGED positions

With the CAGED system you play G in five positions across the whole neck. Each shape connects to the next.

  • G shapearound fret 0 · root on low E string, fret 3
  • E shapearound fret 3 · root on low E string, fret 3
  • D shapearound fret 5 · root on D string, fret 5
  • C shapearound fret 7 · root on A string, fret 10
  • A shapearound fret 10 · root on A string, fret 10

Learn G major in 5 steps

  1. Step 1

    Find the root note G

    Find G on the low E string (fret 3) and on the A string (fret 10). Play them alternately and say the name out loud. Every pattern below hangs off these two points.

  2. Step 2

    Play the main chords

    Learn the three most important chords: G (I), C (IV) and D (V). Switch between them at a slow tempo until you can play through without stopping.

  3. Step 3

    Learn the pentatonic in box 1

    The major pentatonic (G A B D E) is the first pattern to learn. Put your index finger around fret 12 and play two notes per string, from the low E to the high e and back.

  4. Step 4

    Extend to the full scale

    Add the two missing notes (C and F♯) in the same position. Now you're playing all seven notes of G majeur: G A B C D E F♯.

  5. Step 5

    Improvise over a chord progression

    Record G – D – Em – C (or ask someone to play it) and solo over it using box 1. End your phrases on G and listen to how that "coming home" sounds.

Playing G major with a capo

Go to the capo guide

Solo tips for G major

  1. Start with the major pentatonic scale (G A B D E). The best-known "box" pattern starts on the root G on the low E string, fret 3.
  2. End your phrases on the root G for a resolved feeling, or on the third B and fifth D for tension.
  3. Add the blue note B♭ as a passing note for a bluesy sound — don't linger on it too long.
  4. Over the D chord (the V) deliberately play the notes of that chord to make the chord changes audible.

Frequently asked questions about G major

Which notes are in G majeur?

G majeur (G) consists of the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, F♯. The key signature has 1 sharp.

Which chords fit G majeur?

The diatonic chords in G majeur are G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F♯dim. You can freely combine them; they all sound good within the key.

What is the relative key of G majeur?

The relative key is E minor. It uses exactly the same notes and key signature, just with a different tonal centre.

Which pentatonic scale do you use in G majeur?

Use the major pentatonic scale: G, A, B, D, E. It avoids the "tricky" half-step intervals and almost always sounds good.

How do I find G on the guitar neck?

You'll find the root G on the low E string at fret 3 and on the A string at fret 10, among other places.