Chords and strumming
A student asked me: “I’ve seen books and other players play the G chord many different ways. Which is the best way?” My answer is “it depends,” and I know, don’t you hate it when people say that? Here’s the longer, more useful answer: the five forms of the open G chord I teach, and when I reach for each one.
None of these five forms is right or wrong. Each one has a use, depending on the situation and on your hands. The one I use most is the three-finger G with the pinky, because it’s the most versatile.
The Five Forms of the Open G Chord
Single Finger G Chord
Easiest
The first form is the easiest. It uses only one finger, the third finger (sometimes called the ring finger), on the first string at the third fret.
This is the form I often use for young children, or for any beginner who finds it hard to finger basic chords. There is no shame in starting with the simplest form. Getting started matters more, and once you’re playing, moving your fingers into the more complex forms gets easier.
Two Finger G Chord
This form builds on the single finger G. Keep the third finger on the first string at the third fret and add the second finger on the sixth string, third fret.
That’s a stretch, but it lets you play the bass note on the sixth string, which the single finger G can’t do. Look closely at the diagram (or the video) and you’ll see I’m muting the fifth string; that’s what the “X” on the diagram means. For most purposes this one sounds about the same as the three finger G, and it’s a small step from here to the next form.
Three Finger G Chord
The first three finger G I teach uses the first, second and third fingers. It’s a useful G chord and often the first one people learn. In many cases I skip the two finger version and go straight to this one.
Three Finger G Chord, Pinky Version
My favorite
Yes, I’m talking about the little finger. I call it the “pinky” version because everybody gets it when I say that. This one uses the second, third and fourth (pinky) fingers.
This is my favorite and most used form of the G chord, because it’s easier to go from here to the C and D chords, and you’ll go to those two chords from G all the time.
It does take a little strength in the pinky, and many beginners have a hard time with that at first. I usually don’t go here right away. I let students play for a while and get stronger; it’s usually just a matter of time. My advice is to keep working on it without stressing over it. Exercises that strengthen the pinky, like my Speed Developer #2 exercise, help.
Four Finger G Chord
This is my second favorite form of the G chord. For some people it’s easier than the pinky version, I think because the third finger feels like it’s supporting the pinky.
I like this form because it’s very easy to go to a Dsus4 chord from here. Still, I don’t use it anywhere near as often as the three finger G with the pinky.
| Form | Fingers | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Single finger | 3 on the first string | Your very first G; young children; hands that find chords hard |
| #2 Two finger | 2 on the sixth string, 3 on the first (fifth string muted) | Adding the bass note; a stepping stone to Form #3 |
| #3 Three finger | 1, 2 and 3 | The standard G; often the first one people learn |
| #4 Three finger, pinky | 2, 3 and 4 | Smooth changes to C and D; my most used form |
| #5 Four finger | 1, 2, 3 and 4 | Easy change to Dsus4; a steadier pinky |
Which Form Should I Learn?
If you’re a beginner just starting out, try the first two forms and see which one works for you. With either one, adding fingers gets easier as you get more playing experience.
If you’ve been playing for a while, or you’re a beginner with a little more dexterity, learn all of the last three forms. Start with one and get comfortable with it, then add another, and finally the third.
To really get comfortable with them, use them in songs and exercises. That’s where you learn which form fits where. The chord change you’ll make most often is G to C to D, so that’s a good place to put each form to work.
What has your experience been with the G chord? Leave a comment below and let me know which form you use most.
Want more lessons like this one? Try Real Guitar Success free for 14 days.
“G” Tomas, I needed that. Thanks. Mike
Hi Mike,
I’m glad that you found it 🙂
You can SUBSCRIBE to Tomas Michaud’s YOUTUBE Channel here: http://bit.ly/1jBd9MC for more free guitar lessons.
Warm Regards,
Hazel
Starland Guitar
Customer Support
apart from being a good teacher, you seem to be a good guy… thank you, very much. From Argentina, a 78 young man Juan Antonio
Thanks for your article. I wanted to add something to it because on other sites I have seen many people wondering how in the hell you get your pinky to make the G chord. I was one of them, and couldn’t find the answer.
Here is what I did to train my fingers to make the stretch.
Put fingers two and three on the top two strings as required to play the G chord, then put your pinky UNDER the neck of the guitar and just keep it there for a couple of minutes. Remove all of the fingers and repeat this a few times over the course of your practice.
When I first started trying it, it seemed impossible. In just two days, my pinky was easily able to push the string while making the G chord, and in fact on the second day I had to reach up slightly with my pinky to get to the string.
I have determined (although I am a definite beginner with less than a month of playing) that the pinky G is the way to go and this is the best and fasted way to get your hand doing it.
I hope this helps others. Keep up the good work.
This is great Darell. I’m going to suggest this with students. Thanks for sharing. – Tomas
Thank you for this 🙂
Cool. I will use the “Three Finger G Chord – Pinky Version”
Somehow I dont like using the index-g chord..
I prefer the pinky G also.
Again another great informative lesson thanks Tomas
You’re welcome Frank. A lot of people would ask me about this so I decided to create this post. -Tomas
i have a damged 1st finger and find it really hard to play the g chord without bad finger dampening the sound same if the f chord
Ouch… sorry to hear that Jim. There may be ways to work around that. Several famous guitar players had damaged fingers (Jerry Garcia comes to mind).
Thanks Tomas. I have often wondered whether I am playing the “right” G chord or not. So confusion starts to creep in. Which leads to a “ I, will never get this right “ feeling which leads to “it’s all too hard “ feeling. And then your posts give me hope .
Many thanks
Paul
I use my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fingers to make a G cord. Using the pinky/4th seems to offer a smoother transition to a C cord, but i am too set in my way to change what i leaned years ago. I also use my 1st finger on the B string to make an A cord.
I’m glad you found something that works for you Chad. – Tomas
Hi Tomas!
I saw a "G" chord tabbed out with the 2nd finger on the low E at 3rd fret, 1st finger on 2nd fret of A string, and pinky on B string at 3rd fret.
Is there a name for this kind of G chord or could it be a mistake on the part of the person who tabbed out the song?
Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!!!
I don’t know a name for this but it is one of the less common fingerings for a G chord. I would use this in fingerstyle guitar.
Thank you so much for this overview of different ways if playing the G chord. As a person with rather small and inflexible hands, I have found it quite difficult to get the three finger version right if having to place the ring finger on string 6. I am really glad to see that placing the pinky there instead is a legit way of nailing it. I guess as a beginner, I look for confirmation that the way that seems easiest for me is acceptable, in part because I have been somewhat worried that doing things in 'alternative' ways (from what is described in the books I have seen) would ultimately hamper my development.
I want to enroll in the course, but can’t get an answer back. Do you teach those who play electric guitar as well? Want to get in on the 14 day trial for $1