Also written G5, G or G power chord
G 5th contains G and D, the root and perfect fifth. This shape sits comfortably at the 3rd fret, a common position for bass power chords.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G 5th is built from the 1 and 5 of the G major scale, leaving out the third. The perfect fifth between G and D gives the chord its open, neutral sound. Compare G major, which adds the major third B for a fuller harmony.
G 5th works as the tonic in G major progressions like G–C–D–G, the I–IV–V–I. It also appears in G major and A minor contexts. Use it for driving rock or punk bass lines where the root-fifth punch cuts through.
The 3rd fret position keeps G as the lowest note for a solid foundation. The 10th fret position uses the same shape an octave higher for brighter fills. The G5/D inversion at the 10th fret puts D in the bass, which softens the root emphasis.
G 5th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 5 5 ×: index finger on the E string at fret 3, middle finger on the A string at fret 5 and ring finger on the D string at fret 5. The G string stays muted.
Tip — The index finger must hold the low E at the 3rd fret while the middle and ring fingers stretch to the 5th fret on adjacent strings.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (5) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 3 | G (1) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
G 5th is played at the 10th fret as × 10 12 12: index finger on the A string at fret 10, middle finger on the D string at fret 12 and ring finger on the G string at fret 12. The E string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 1 | G (1) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 2 | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (1) |
G 5th is played at the 10th fret as 10 10 12 12: index finger on the E string at fret 10, middle finger on the A string at fret 10, ring finger on the D string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 3 | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (1) |
G 5th is written as G or G5.
G major includes the major third B, giving it a full major sound. G 5th omits the third, so it works over both major and minor contexts.
Without a third, G 5th has no major or minor quality. The perfect fifth interval is consonant and stable, making it versatile for many bass lines.