Explore chords · Ukulele
G 5th chord on ukulele (G5)
Also called or written G5, G or G power chord
G 5th contains G and D. This beginner power chord uses an open G string and two fretted notes at the 2nd and 3rd frets.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
How do you play a G 5th chord on ukulele?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
BeginnerThe two fretted notes at the 2nd and 3rd frets require clean finger placement while the open G string rings, and the A string must be muted.
G5/D inversion · fret 2
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
7th fret
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 2 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
G5/D inversion · fret 10
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, using the root G and its perfect fifth D. The perfect fifth gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare G 5th with G major, which adds the major third B.
What goes wrong with G 5th?
- Letting the A string ring open because the muting finger is not touching it.
- Pressing the C or E string too hard and pulling it sharp.
- Flattening the index finger onto the G string and accidentally fretting it.
When to use it
G 5th works as a power chord in G major progressions like G–C–D, the I–IV–V in G major. G 5th suits folk and rock strumming where a full major chord sounds too sweet.
Changing to and from G 5th
- Move from G 5th to C major by lifting the middle finger and placing it on the A string 3rd fret while the index stays on the C string 2nd fret.
- G 5th has open strings, so it does not slide; instead, lift the fingers and place them on the next chord.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps G in the bass for a rooted sound. The G5/D inversions put D in the bass, which softens the chord and works well when moving to C major or E minor.
Other G chords
Common questions
Why does G 5th sound different from G major?
G 5th omits the major third B, leaving only the root and fifth. Without the third the chord has no major or minor quality, which is why it works over both G major and G minor contexts.
Can I play G 5th higher up the neck?
Yes, the G5/D inversion at the 7th fret plays D and G on the G and C strings. That register is brighter and cuts through a mix, but you lose the open string warmth.
How do I mute the A string in G 5th?
Rest the side of your fretting hand or a spare finger lightly on the A string without pressing it to the fret. Check with a slow strum that only G, C, and E strings sound.