G Major Chord on Piano
The G chord (G major) is built from 3 notes: G – B – D.
Play these notes on a MIDI keyboard, your computer keyboard, or the on-screen keys and ChordKeys will name the chord back to you.
Notes and intervals
| Note | Degree | Interval from G | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | root | 0 |
| B | 3 | major 3rd | 4 |
| D | 5 | perfect 5th | 7 |
Inversions
Rearranging which note sits at the bottom gives you 3 playable voicings of the same chord. Inversions let you move between chords with less hand movement.
| Voicing | Notes | Bass note |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | G – B – D | G in the bass |
| 1st inversion | B – D – G | B in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | D – G – B | D in the bass |
How the major chord is built
Every major chord uses the same interval formula: 1 (0 semitones), 3 (4 semitones), 5 (7 semitones). Starting on G and applying that formula produces G, B, D. Learn the formula once and you can build a major chord on any of the twelve roots.
Keys that contain G
Every note of G belongs to these keys, so it will sit naturally in a progression written in any of them.
Other chords on G
Major chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a G chord?
A G chord contains the notes G, B, D. Those are the 1, 3, 5 degrees measured from the root note G.
How do you play G on piano?
Place your thumb on G, then add B and D above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.