Chords › G5
G5 Power Chord on Guitar
- G5
- G · D
- From fret 5
Movable, fret 5
G5 is a power chord: just the root and the fifth, with no third, so it is neither major nor minor and stays clear under distortion. G5 has no open shape, so it is usually played as a 3-string shape from the 5th fret.
How to play G5, finger by finger
- Put your index finger on string 4 at the 5th fret.
- Put your ring finger on string 3 at the 7th fret.
- Put your pinky finger on string 2 at the 8th fret.
- Strum strings 4 to 2 only.
More ways to play G5
Notes in G5
| Note | Interval | Role |
|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | root |
| D | 5 | fifth |
Formula: 1 – 5
Questions about G5
What notes are in G5?
G and D. Those are the 1, 5 of the chord, counted from G.
Which strings do I strum for G5?
Start on string 4 and strum down to string 1, and leave the strings marked with an X silent.
Is G5 major or minor?
Neither. A power chord has only the root and the fifth (G and D), so it fits songs in G major and G minor alike. It is the standard chord for rock and metal rhythm guitar.
Related chords
Often played with G5
Other power chords