Piano chord
GG major
- G1
- B3
- D5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 7semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play G on piano
- Find G: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on G, 3 on B, 5 on D.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on G, 3 on B, 1 on D.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · G – B – D
1st inversion · B – D – G
2nd inversion · D – G – B
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
G inversions
Use these 3 positions to move between chords with as little hand movement as possible. Root position starts on G; the inversions start on the other notes of the chord.
- Root positionbass: GRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: BRight hand 1-2-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: DRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-2-1
Chords that go with G
The other chords of G major, the key where G is home (I). Songs in this key move between them.
G with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays G an octave lower, the right hand plays G–B–D.
G on other instruments
About the G chord
To build G major, take these 3 notes from the root up: G (1), B (3), D (5). A major triad: a major third and a perfect fifth over G. It is the most common chord in music and sounds bright and stable.
The keys are G – B – D, counted up from G; the distance from the lowest to the highest key is 7 semitones. Any hand that reaches an octave can hold G, so it works in either hand.
In the inversions of G the root moves up and another note takes the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is B (B–D–G). In the 2nd inversion the bass is D (D–G–B).
Compared with G7, G leaves out F.
You meet G in these keys: C major (V), G major (I), D major (IV), A minor (VII), E minor (III).
Questions
What notes are in the G chord?
G (G major) has 3 notes: G (1), B (3), D (5).
How many inversions does G have?
G can be played in 3 positions: Root position (G–B–D); 1st inversion (B–D–G); 2nd inversion (D–G–B).
What is the difference between G and G7?
Compared with G7, G leaves out F.
Can I play G with one hand?
Yes. In root position G spans 7 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.