G, major chord
G, B and D
- Root
- G
- Major third
- B
- Perfect fifth
- D
Formula
1 3 5 (4, 7 half steps above G)
Fingering in root position
| Notes | G | B | D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 1 |
G major inversions
G major has 2 inversions. Each one keeps the same notes and puts a different one at the bottom, so your hand can stay close to the chord before or after it.
G
Root position
| Notes | G | B | D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 1 |
G/B
First inversion
| Notes | B | D | G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 1 |
G/D
Second inversion
| Notes | D | G | B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 2 | 1 |
Keys with G major
Roman numerals give a chord's place in a key: capitals for major chords, small letters for minor, ° for diminished. G major appears as:
- I in G major
- IV in D major
- V in C major
- VI in B minor
- V in C minor
- III in E minor
- VII in A minor
How G major is built
G is the root, B the major third and D the perfect fifth.
A major chord is a root, the major third 4 half steps above it and the perfect fifth 7 half steps above it. Lower the middle note by one key and G major becomes G minor.
Every chord takes every other letter of the alphabet, so the letters of G major are G, B, D. That is why it is spelled G, B and D.
Find G major yourself
Without looking at the diagrams, find the chord on the keyboard, then each inversion. Saying the notes out loud as you tap them helps them stick.
Step 1 of 3
Tap the notes of G major, in any octave and any order.
Practice G major in real music
MasterPiano gives you new music to read at your level and listens as you play, through a MIDI keyboard or your device's microphone, marking each note right or wrong.
Start freeQuestions
What notes are in the G major chord?
G major (G) has three notes: G, B and D. G is the root, B the major third and D the perfect fifth.
What fingers do you use for G major on piano?
In root position, play G, B and D with right hand fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger and little finger) and left hand fingers 5, 3 and 1. The fingers change a little in each inversion; every inversion on this page shows its own.
What are the inversions of G major?
G major has 2 inversions, one for each note other than the root at the bottom. First inversion (G/B): B, D and G. Second inversion (G/D): D, G and B.
What key is G major in?
G major is I in G major, its home key. It also appears as IV in D major, V in C major, VI in B minor, V in C minor and III in E minor.