G Major

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The G major chord is a triad formed from a root (G), a major third (B) and a perfect fifth (D).

How to play G major on the piano

As one of the major chords that only uses the white keys of the piano, G major is commonly used in music. You'll find the root of the chord, G, between the first two black keys you see on the keyboard in groups of three.

The G major chord is made up of three notes: G, B and D. When using your right hand, the root position chord is played with the following fingers:

D - Fifth finger (5)
B - Third finger (3)
G - First finger (1)

Read: Here's everything you need to know about major and minor chords.

Using your left hand, you'd play the root position chord of G major with the following fingers:

D - First finger (1)
B - Third finger (3)
G - Fifth finger (5)

Depending on the music you're playing, you might find that the fingers you use to play the chord change. Watch the video above to see how the G major chord is built.

What are the inversions of G major?

Now that you're comfortable with the root position of G major, let's look at the two inversions. By changing the order of the notes, you'll be able to play the first and second inversions.

How to play the first inversion of G major

G major's first inversion puts B as the lowest note of the chord. Use the following fingers to play the chord with your right hand:

G - Fifth finger (5)
D - Second finger (2)
B - First finger (1)

Read: Here's everything you need to know about chord inversions.

How to play the second inversion of G major

The lowest note of G major's second inversion is D. To play the inversion with your right hand, use the following fingers:

B - Fifth finger (5)
G - Third finger (3)
D - First finger (1)

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