The G Shape

Here is the basic G chord.

And here is the G shape chord slid up the neck.

OK, that one is really tough. Here’s an alternate version that has some very common applications.

This chord gets its name from the note on the sixth string, or the third string, or the first string, unless you’re playing the third version of the chord shown in diagram 12b. And while this column is really meant to be only about these five chord shapes, I’ll show you one quick chord change you can play using the G shape C chord I’ve just taught you. Alternate between these two chords in any rhythm you want, keeping your first finger barred even as you place your fingers on the strings above it for the second chord:

written by Adam St. James for Guitar.com