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G 5th chord on guitar (G5)
Also called or written G5, G or G power chord
G 5th contains the notes G and D. This intermediate power chord at the third fret requires a two-fret stretch between the index and ring fingers.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
- Root positionG–DG53-5-5-×-×-×
- First inversionD–GG5/D×-×-0-0-3-3
How do you play a G 5th chord on guitar?
G 5th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 5 5 × × ×: index finger on the low 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, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 5 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (5) |
| 4 (D) | 5 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
IntermediateThe hardest part is the two-fret stretch between the index finger and the middle and ring fingers at the third fret.
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 low E, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 10 | 1 | G (1) |
| 4 (D) | 12 | 2 | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (1) |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
G5/D inversion · open position
G 5th is played in open position as × × 0 0 3 3: index finger on the B string at fret 3 and middle finger on the high e string at fret 3. The D and G strings ring open. The low E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
G5/D inversion · fret 10
G 5th is played at the 10th fret as 10 10 12 12 × ×: index finger on the low 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. The B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 5 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
| 4 (D) | 12 | 3 | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (1) |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
G 5th is built from the 1st and 5th degrees of the G major scale, giving the formula 1–5. The perfect fifth interval produces the hollow, neutral sound of a power chord. Compare it with G major, which adds the major third B for a complete major triad.
What goes wrong with G 5th?
- The 3rd string sounds because the fretting hand fails to mute it.
- The 2nd string rings open when the fretting hand fails to mute it.
- The 5th string buzzes because the middle finger is too far from the fret.
When to use it
G 5th functions as the tonic in G major progressions like G–C–D (I–IV–V) or G–D–Em–C (I–V–vi–IV). Its neutral fifth suits rock, punk, and metal rhythm parts. Use it with G major and D major for a full major sound.
Changing to and from G 5th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives F♯ 5th.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 4th fret gives A♭ 5th.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd fret position is the default and works well for barre chord progressions. The 10th fret position moves the shape up the neck for a higher voicing. The G5/D inversion puts the fifth in the bass, giving a less rooted, more open sound.
Other G chords
Common questions
What is the difference between G 5th and G major?
G 5th contains only G and D, while G major adds B. The missing third makes the power chord neutral and suitable for both major and minor contexts.
Can G 5th be played on the 5th string?
Yes, the 10th fret position uses the 5th string at fret 10 for the root G. The default position uses the 6th string at fret 3 for the root G.
Why is G 5th called a power chord?
Power chords contain only the root and fifth, producing a strong, focused sound with no major or minor quality. They are common in rock and metal because they sound clear under distortion.