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G chord on ukulele (G major)

Also called or written G, Gmaj, GM or G chord

G major contains G, B and D. The open shape is a beginner-friendly grip that uses three fretted notes and one open string.

Positions on the neck1 of 5

Practice G major chord

How it is built

GRootBMajor thirdDPerfect fifth

Formula 1, 3, 5

Inversions

Root positionG–B–DG×-7-7-5
First inversionB–D–GG/B12-11-10-10
Second inversionD–G–BG/D0-2-3-2

How do you play a G major chord on ukulele?

G major is played in open position as 0 2 3 2: index finger on the C string at fret 2, ring finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The G string rings open.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	open	—	G (1)
3 (C)	2	1	D (5)
2 (E)	3	3	G (1)
1 (A)	2	2	B (3)

BeginnerThe open shape is easy, but beginners often mute the open G string with the finger fretting the C string.

5th fret · ×-7-7-5

G major is played at the 5th fret as × 7 7 5: middle finger on the C string at fret 7, ring finger on the E string at fret 7 and index finger on the A string at fret 5. The G string stays muted.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	muted	—	—
3 (C)	7	2	G (1)
2 (E)	7	3	B (3)
1 (A)	5	1	D (5)

G/B inversion

G major is played at the 10th fret as 12 11 10 10: pinky finger on the G string at fret 12, ring finger on the C string at fret 11, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	12	4	G (1)
3 (C)	11	3	B (3)
2 (E)	10	1	D (5)
1 (A)	10	2	G (1)

G/D inversion · fret 2

G major is played at the 2nd fret as 4 2 3 2: pinky finger on the G string at fret 4, index finger on the C string at fret 2, ring finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	4	4	B (3)
3 (C)	2	1	D (5)
2 (E)	3	3	G (1)
1 (A)	2	2	B (3)

5th fret · 7-7-7-5

G major is played at the 5th fret as 7 7 7 5: middle finger on the G string at fret 7, ring finger on the C string at fret 7, pinky finger on the E string at fret 7 and index finger on the A string at fret 5.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	7	2	D (5)
3 (C)	7	3	G (1)
2 (E)	7	4	B (3)
1 (A)	5	1	D (5)

Why it sounds like that

G major is built from the root, major third and perfect fifth — 1, 3, 5. The major third B gives the chord its bright quality. Lower that third by one semitone to B♭ and you get G minor.

What goes wrong with G major?

Letting the index finger touch the open G string and mute it.
Pressing too hard on the A string and bending the pitch sharp.
Strumming the open G string too hard and overpowering the chord.

When to use it

G major is the tonic in G major, heard in progressions like G–C–D, the I–IV–V–I. It also fits the I–V–vi–IV in G major: G–D–E minor–C. Use it for folk, pop and sing-along strumming. Compare G 5th for a leaner two-note sound.

Changing to and from G major

Move to C major by lifting the fingers and placing the index on the C string fret 4, middle on the A string fret 3, and ring on the E string fret 3.
Slide the 5th fret shape down two frets to the 3rd fret to reach F major.

Which voicing to use

The open position is the easiest and most common. The G/B inversion puts the third in the bass for a smoother voice leading into C major. The G/D inversion has the fifth in the bass and sounds fuller.

Other G chords

Common questions

How is G major written?

G major is written as G, Gmaj or GM.

What is the difference between G major and G minor?

G major has a major third, B, while G minor has a minor third, B♭. This changes the chord from bright to sombre.

Why does the open G major shape have an open G string?

The open G string is the root note, so it is left to ring. This gives the chord its full, resonant sound.