IntermediateMajor

G# Chord

The G# is a major chord that sounds bright, happy, and resolved. Major chords are the backbone of countless songs. Their bright, stable sound makes them perfect for strumming, picking, and rhythm playing across every genre.

Notes:G#Root (1)CMajor 3rd (3)D#Perfect 5th (5)

Open Position

G#4fr134211

Chord Diagrams

Position — Fret 4

Uses a barre chord technique

G#4fr134211

Barre Shape — Fret 11

Uses a barre chord technique

G#11fr12341

How to Play G#

Follow these steps for the open position fingering:

Barre technique: Press your index finger flat across all strings at fret 4 to form the barre, then add the remaining fingers on top.
#StringInstructionNote
1Low E (6th string)Fret 4 with your index fingerG#
2A (5th string)Fret 6 with your ring fingerC
3D (4th string)Fret 6 with your pinky fingerD#
4G (3rd string)Fret 5 with your middle fingerG#
5B (2nd string)Fret 4 with your index fingerC
6High E (1st string)Fret 4 with your index fingerD#

= Open string (no fingers needed)

= Muted string (don't play)

= Press your finger down firmly just behind the fret

Notes in G#

The G# chord is built from 3 distinct notes, each serving a harmonic role:

G#
Root (1)
The root — gives the chord its name
C
Major 3rd (3)
The major third — creates the bright sound
D#
Perfect 5th (5)
The fifth — adds power and stability

Other G# Chords

Explore other chord types built on the same root note:

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