Also written G5, G or G power chord
G 5th contains G and D. This open-position power chord uses a low G on the fourth string for a deep sound.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, with a perfect 5th between G and D. The perfect 5th gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare it with G major, which adds a major 3rd for a fuller harmony.
G 5th works as the tonic in G major progressions like G–C–D, the I–IV–V. It suits folk, rock, and pop rhythm playing where a deep, open sound is needed.
The open position is the easiest and most resonant, with the root G on the open 4th string. The G5/D inversion starting on fret 2 puts the 5th in the bass for a darker, less grounded sound.
G 5th is played in open position as 0 2 3 5: index finger on the C string at fret 2, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 5. The G string rings open.
Tip — The stretch from the 2nd fret to the 5th fret for the ring finger is the main physical challenge.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (5) |
G 5th is played at the 2nd fret as × 2 3 ×: index finger on the C string at fret 2 and middle finger on the E string at fret 3. The G and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
G 5th is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 7 and middle finger on the C string at fret 7. The E and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 2 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
G 5th is played at the 10th fret as × × 10 10: index finger on the E string at fret 10 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10. The G and C strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
G 5th is played in open position as 0 2 3 ×: index finger on the C string at fret 2 and middle finger on the E string at fret 3. The G string rings open. The A string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
G 5th is written as G5 or simply G. It is also called a power chord.
G 5th omits the major 3rd, leaving only G and D. G major includes B, which gives it a brighter, more complete sound.
No, the open position uses individual fingers. The barre version at the 7th fret is an alternative, but it is not the default shape.