Chords in the Key of G

The Chords in G Major

The key of G Major contains seven diatonic chords. The three major chords are G, C, D. These are the I, IV, and V chords — the backbone of most chord progressions in this key. The three minor chords are Am, Bm, Em, and the seventh degree is F#dim, which is rarely used as a standalone chord but appears in passing progressions and jazz harmony.

Common Chord Progressions in G Major

The most popular progression in G Major is I–V–vi–IV: G, D, Em, C. This progression is the foundation of hundreds of popular songs across rock, pop, folk, and country. The I chord (G) is the tonal centre; the V chord (D) creates tension that resolves back to I; and the IV chord (C) adds movement and contrast. Knowing these three chords alone is enough to play a large portion of songs written in G Major.

Browse chord progressions by genre and mood — or use the chord progression generator to get progressions in G Major instantly.

G Major on Guitar

G Major is one of the most guitar-friendly keys. Most of its diatonic chords can be played as open chord shapes or straightforward barre chords. Guitarists playing in G Major often use open voicings for a full, resonant sound, or move up the neck for a brighter tone. If the chords are too challenging in this key, use our capo chart for G Major to find a comfortable capo position that lets you play easier shapes while still sounding in G Major. To work with these chords in a key-agnostic way, see our Nashville Number System chart for G Major — the same chords expressed as numbers that work in any key without rewriting.