Lets learn about the different open G chords
Whilst there is no right or wrong way to play an open G chord, learning a variety of different shapes can easily open up your playing style.
Finding it difficult to voice a full G? Strip it back a bit.
Want a fuller sound? Add the extra string.
All four versions we’ll look at are G chords, but you may find their application more appropriate depending on the song or learning path. LET’S LOOK AT SOME…
Four fingered G Chord
Some might call it a ‘country G’, as its featured heavily in Taylor Swift songs such as ‘You Belong with Me’ (relative to a capo on the 4th fret). This chord lends itself to easy chord progressions. Leave your third and fourth fingers on the higher strings to easily change between other chords in the CAGED System. This will give you a nice motif running through all of your chord changes.
Another popular song that makes use of this shape? Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’ of course!
Three fingered G Chord
This one’s a slightly less involved version of the four fingered chord. By removing your third finger, and either placing it on the high ‘e’ string instead of your fourth finger, you’ve got what is possibly the more common version of this chord. At least as an early on shape in your learning.
Be careful though, if your song has Cadd9, Em7 or even Asus4 in it, you’ll struggle to fit this one in.
G chord no index finger
If you’re working on your barre chords, you may find using this shape to be a bit of a game changer. Look at it as a representation of what your shapes will look like underneath your first finger barre.
It can also help you move from the G to chords such as the open C. If there’s a quick change between C and G, like in Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, use this version.
The stacked G Chord
This one isn’t technically a full G chord as it omits the third interval. This makes it a G5 chord, notable for its low end feel. Great for riffs that use overdrive or distortion. The lack of a third interval, allows this chord to slot into either a major or minor key easily.
Let’s sum up
Use these four different varieties of the same chord can add a little bit of flexibility to your songwriting and song learning.
Of course, plenty of songs use the G chord shape in their chord progressions so mastering all of them will get you ready for any eventuality in which they appear.
As always, if you need any more help with your playing, don’t forget to claim a free lesson today!