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G 5th chord on bass (G5)
Also called or 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.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
- Root positionG–DG53-5-5-×
- First inversionD–GG5/D10-10-12-12
How do you play a G 5th chord on bass?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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 | — | — |
IntermediateThe 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.
10th fret
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
G5/D inversion
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Why it sounds like that
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.
What goes wrong with G 5th?
- The G string rings open because the ring finger collapses onto it.
- The A string buzzes because the middle finger is too far behind the fret.
When to use it
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.
Changing to and from G 5th
- Sliding the G 5th shape down two frets to the 1st fret gives F 5th.
- Sliding the G 5th shape up two frets to the 5th fret gives A 5th.
Which voicing to use
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.
Other G chords
Common questions
How do I write G 5th in shorthand?
G 5th is written as G or G5.
What is the difference between G 5th and G major?
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.
Why does G 5th sound neutral?
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.