Keep the A-string note close to the fret
The B note on the A string is often the first one to buzz. Place the index fingertip just behind the 2nd fret and check that the middle finger is not pushing it away from the wire.
Guitar chord fingering
G Major Guitar Chord: 320003 Fingering
320003 is a standard open G major guitar chord. From the low E string to the high E string, fret 3, fret 2, play the next three strings open, and fret the high E string at 3. Strum all six strings.
How to play the G major chord (320003)
- Place your middle finger on the low E string at the 3rd fret. This note is G.
- Place your index finger on the A string at the 2nd fret. This note is B.
- Leave the D string open.
- Leave the G string open.
- Leave the B string open.
- Place your ring finger on the high E string at the 3rd fret. This note is G.
- Strum all six strings.
This common 2-1-3 fingering uses the middle finger on the low E, index on the A, and ring finger on the high E. Another valid fingering uses ring, middle, and pinky. Choose the version that makes the next chord easier.
| String | Instruction | Sounding note | Role in G major |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th, low E | Fret 3 | G | Root |
| 5th, A | Fret 2 | B | Major third |
| 4th, D | Open | D | Perfect fifth |
| 3rd, G | Open | G | Root |
| 2nd, B | Open | B | Major third |
| 1st, high E | Fret 3 | G | Root |
Make every string in 320003 ring clearly
Curve the finger on the low E string
The middle finger can lean into the A string and mute it. Bring the wrist forward slightly and use the fingertip so both low notes remain clear.
Keep the high E note separate from the open B
Curve the ring finger onto high E3 without touching the B string. Pick the top two strings separately and adjust until both ring.
Relax the unused fingers
Do not let the fretting hand collapse around the neck. A relaxed thumb and curved fingers make it easier to move from G into C, D, or Em.
Test the chord from low to high
Pick all six strings individually. Fix the first buzzing or muted note before strumming the complete chord.
G major fingering variations
Three-finger G: 320003
This is the primary shape on the page. It leaves the B string open, so the upper part of the chord contains B and G.
Four-finger G: 320033
Adding the B string at fret 3 changes that B note to D. The chord remains G major because G, B, and D are still present elsewhere, but the doubled D gives the upper strings a different sound. This shape often connects comfortably with Cadd9 and Dsus4.
Partial upper-string G
xx0003 contains D, G, B, and G. It is a compact G major voicing with D as the lowest sounding note, useful when a bass instrument or another guitar supplies the root.
Movable barre G
Use an E-shape G major barre chord at the 3rd fret (355433) or another supported movable shape when the open strings do not fit the arrangement.
Choose a G fingering for the next chord
G to D
The middle-index-ring version of 320003 places the hand in a comfortable position for moving toward an open D shape. Keep the fingers close to the strings and move as a group rather than lifting the entire hand away from the neck.
G to C
The ring-middle-pinky alternative can free the index finger to move toward the C chord. Try both fingerings slowly and choose the one that keeps the pulse steadier.
G to Cadd9 or Dsus4
The four-finger 320033 variation can keep the ring and pinky anchored on the top two strings while the lower fingers change. Use this only when the resulting voicing fits the song; the ordinary 320003 G is still correct.
What notes are in the G major chord?
G major contains G, B, and D:
- G is the root.
- B is the major third and defines the chord's major quality.
- D is the perfect fifth.
The interval formula is 1-3-5. The 320003 voicing repeats G three times, B twice, and D once. Repeating chord tones changes the voicing, not the chord name.
- I in G major
- IV in D major
- V in C major
- III in E minor
- VII in A minor
G major commonly functions as:
Guitar chord progressions using G major
Practice G to C and G to D as separate two-chord changes. Use the G fingering that requires the least unnecessary movement for the progression you are actually playing.
Open G major loop
G - D - Em - C
I - V - vi - IV in G major. G is the tonic and frames the loop as a clear major-key progression.
Relative-minor start
Em - C - G - D
vi - IV - I - V in G major, or i - VI - III - VII from an E minor center. G provides the brightest point before D sends the loop around again.
G as the dominant in C
C - G - Am - F
I - V - vi - IV in C major. G is the dominant chord, but moving to Am delays the direct return to C.
I-IV-V movement
G - C - D - C
I - IV - V - IV in G major. The final C keeps the progression moving instead of resolving immediately from D to G.
Practice the chord in StrumForge
Use playback, standard-tuning diagrams, and supported voicing controls to hear this chord inside a complete four-position progression.
- StrumForge app Open the main guitar-first progression generator.
- Guitar chord progression generator Generate playable four-chord loops with diagrams and groove playback.
- Guitar practice app Use the native apps for daily practice, saved ideas, and longer sessions.
- Features See the progression, playback, diagram, and scale tools in one place.
G major guitar chord FAQ
What guitar chord is 320003?
320003 is a standard open G major guitar chord. Fret the low E at 3, the A string at 2, leave D, G, and B open, and fret the high E at 3.
Which fingers play the 320003 G chord?
A common fingering uses the middle finger on low E3, index on A2, and ring finger on high E3. A ring-middle-pinky fingering is also valid and may make a move to C easier.
Do I strum all six strings for G major?
Yes. The low E string is fretted at G, so all six strings belong to the standard 320003 voicing.
What notes are in G major?
G major contains G, B, and D. G is the root, B is the major third, and D is the perfect fifth.
What is the difference between 320003 and 320033?
Both are G major voicings. 320003 leaves the B string open, while 320033 frets it at D. The four-finger version doubles D on the upper strings and can connect smoothly to Cadd9 or Dsus4.
Why does my G chord buzz?
Check the A string at fret 2 first, then pick every string individually. Keep the low-E finger from touching the A string and the high-E finger from muting the open B.
Can I use G major in StrumForge?
Yes. StrumForge can display supported G major diagrams and place the chord inside a four-position progression with playback and voicing controls.