Chords in the key of G
The key of G major has seven chords: G · Am · Bm · C · D · Em · F♯dim. Tap any chord to hear it.
Keys lit: the G major scale. Tap a chord to light its notes.
The G major chord chart
| Degree | Triad | Notes | 7th chord | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | G | G B D | Gmaj7 (Imaj7) | Tonic: home |
| ii | Am | A C E | Am7 (ii7) | Pre-dominant |
| iii | Bm | B D F♯ | Bm7 (iii7) | Tonic substitute |
| IV | C | C E G | Cmaj7 (IVmaj7) | Subdominant |
| V | D | D F♯ A | D7 (V7) | Dominant: pulls home |
| vi | Em | E G B | Em7 (vi7) | Relative minor |
| vii° | F♯dim | F♯ A C | F♯m7♭5 (viiø7) | Leading-tone chord |
Key of G at a glance
- Scale: G A B C D E F♯
- Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯)
- Major chords: G, C, D
- Minor chords: Am, Bm, Em
- Diminished: F♯dim
- Relative minor: E minor
The pattern of chord qualities is the same in every major key: major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished. It comes from stacking every other note of the scale on each degree.
Common progressions in G
| Progression | Chords in G | Play |
|---|---|---|
| I–V–vi–IV (pop) | G – D – Em – C | |
| I–IV–V (rock and folk) | G – C – D – G | |
| I–vi–IV–V (50s) | G – Em – C – D | |
| ii–V–I (jazz) | Am – D – G – G | |
| vi–IV–I–V (sensitive) | Em – C – G – D |
More ideas by mood: pop, sad and jazz chord progressions, or loop your own in the chord progression generator.
Other keys
Questions
What chords are in the key of G?
The key of G major has seven chords: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F♯dim. In Roman numerals that is I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi and vii°.
What are the I, IV and V chords in G?
G (I), C (IV) and D (V). These three major chords can harmonise most simple melodies in G major.
What is the relative minor of G major?
E minor. It uses the same notes and key signature (1 sharp), starting on the sixth degree, E.
What notes are in the G major scale?
G, A, B, C, D, E, F♯, then G again an octave higher.