Need to learn how to play the G7 chord on guitar? Check out the chord chart and photo below to see how to play this dominant seventh with ease!
How to play the G7 guitar chord: Chart, Photo, and Description
Below are a couple of different ways you can play the G7 chord on guitar.
Option 1: Three left hand fingers
This is the most standard G7 chord shape, and is the best one for beginners to start with.
To play the chord, place your left hand fingers on the following strings and frets:
- Index (Finger 1): Fret 1, String 1 (F)
- Middle (Finger 2): Fret 2, String 5 (B)
- Ring (Finger 3): Fret 3, String 6 (G)
- You can play the following open strings:
- String 4 (open D)
- String 3 (open G)
- String 2 (open B)
Most people find this G7 chord shape much easier to play compared to the G major shape with pinky on string 1. Similar to G major, you can play all six strings on the guitar with confidence since String 6 (G) is the root of the chord!
This is a gorgeous chord that is almost always followed by the C major chord. The transition from G7 to C major is pretty easy since all of your left hand fingers are already on the correct fret! If you’re starting on G7, simply move finger 1 up to string 2, then move fingers 2 and 3 down to strings 4 and 5.
Option 2: 4 left hand fingers
This variation of the G7 chord is more advanced, and requires you to add pinky into the mix.
To play this variation:
- Index (Finger 1): Fret 1, String 1 (F)
- Middle (Finger 2): Fret 2, String 5 (B)
- Ring (Finger 3): Fret 3, String 6 (G)
- Pinky (Finger 4): Fret 3, String 2 (D)
If you’re a classical guitarist, you might recognize this shape. It was made famous by Italian composer Mauro Giuliani in his 120 Right Hand studies (Op.1)!
Note that if you’re playing the Giuliani Right Hand studies, many times you can simplify this shape by omitting finger 3 on string 6 (low G).
What are the notes in a G7 chord?
The notes of the G7 chord are:
- G (Root)
- B (Third)
- D (Fifth)
- F (Seventh)
