G# chord on guitar
G Sharp Major, also written Ab. Notes: G#, C and D#.
How to play G#
- Lay your index finger flat across the 4th (D) to the 2nd (B) string at fret 1. This is the barre.
- Put your middle finger on the 5th (A) string at fret 3 (C).
- Put your ring finger on the 6th (low E) string at fret 4 (G#).
- Don't play the high E string: skip it or mute it with a fretting finger.
- Strum from the low E string down.
All 4 ways to play G#
Easiest first. Tap play to hear each one.Barre at fret 1
MediumBarre at fret 4
HardBarre at fret 6
HardBarre at fret 8
HardNotes and theory
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on. The formula is 1 3 5, and you will also see it written as G#maj and G#M. Strictly by music theory the notes are spelled G#, B# and D#; B# is the same key as C.
Keys that use G#
More G# chords
All G# guitar chordsG# with another bass note
major chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the G# chord?
G# (G sharp major) is made of three notes: G# (root), C (major third) and D# (perfect fifth).
How do you play G# on guitar?
The easiest G# is the "barre at fret 1" shape. Lay your index finger flat across the 4th (D) to the 2nd (B) string at fret 1. This is the barre. Put your middle finger on the 5th (A) string at fret 3 (C). Put your ring finger on the 6th (low E) string at fret 4 (G#).
Is G# hard to play on guitar?
G# has no open-string shape, so every version needs a barre or a stretch. The easiest one is rated medium. A shortcut: put a capo on fret 1 and play the open G shape, which sounds as G#.
What is the difference between G# and G#m?
Only the third changes. G# major uses a major third and sounds bright; G# minor lowers that note by a half step, which makes it sound darker. The root and the fifth stay the same.
What key is G# in?
G# belongs to 6 keys: D flat major (as the V chord), E flat major (as the IV chord), A flat major (as the I chord), C minor (as the VI chord), F minor (as the III chord) and B flat minor (as the VII chord).
What does a major chord sound like?
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on.