How to play the G major over B chord on guitar

The G chord, pronounced "G major over B," is a unique guitar chord that adds a touch of sophistication to your playing. It's formed by playing a G major triad over a B bass note, creating a rich and complex sound. The G/B chord is commonly used in genres like folk, country, and rock, and can be heard in songs like "Hotel California" by The Eagles.

The G major over B chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 7th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a G major over B chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 7th fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the 6th (low E) string, playing all six strings. Alternatively, you can play only the top four strings for a brighter sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the G major over B chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th (low E) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
4. Strum the bottom four strings.

Learning to play the G major over B barre chord version opens up new voicing possibilities compared to the standard open chord version.

Here's how to play a G major over B barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret to form the barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The G major over B chord, also known as G/B, is a first inversion chord that adds a sense of movement and tension to a progression. It often serves as a transitional chord, creating a feeling of anticipation or a desire for resolution. Some common chord progressions featuring the G/B chord include:

• I - V⁶/IV - IV - V (G - G/B - C - D) - Used in "Let It Be" by The Beatles and "Hey Jude" by The Beatles
• I - V⁶/IV - vi - IV (G - G/B - Em - C) - Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis
• I - iii - V⁶/IV - IV (G - Bm - G/B - C)
• I - V⁶/IV - ii⁷ - V (G - G/B - Am7 - D)
• I - V⁶/IV - IV - V/V (G - G/B - C - A/C#)

To master the G major over B guitar chord, try practicing the following drill:

Play each note of the chord separately, starting with the B note, then D, and finally G. Repeat this pattern slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy.

Another effective drill involves strumming the chord and then picking out each note individually. This helps your fingers transition smoothly between strumming and picking, enhancing your overall dexterity with the chord.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the G major over B chord.

1. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
2. Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones (G, D, Em, C)
3. She Talks to Angels by The Black Crowes (G, D, Am, C)
4. Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel (D, C, G)
5. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (F, C, D)
6. Jessica by The Allman Brothers Band (G, C, D)
7. Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival (D, A, G)
8. Soul Shine by The Allman Brothers Band (G, D, C)
9. Lay Lady Lay by Bob Dylan (G, A, D)
10. Melissa by The Allman Brothers Band (G, C, D)