G/B on guitar: G with B in the bass
G/B is the G major chord (G, B, D) with its 3rd, B, as the lowest note: the 1st inversion of G. The notes are the same as in G; only the one at the bottom changes.
- Notes
- GBD
- Bass
- B 3rd of the chord
How to play G/B on guitar
-
Shape 1 · 1st position
-
Shape 2 · fret 2 · barre
-
Shape 3 · fret 5
-
Shape 4 · fret 7
-
Shape 5 · fret 9
Where G/B shows up
With the 3rd in the bass, the bass line can move by step. The classic case: C → G/B → Am, with the bass walking down C, B, A.
Other positions of G
Frequently asked questions
What does G/B mean?
G/B reads "G over B": you play G and the lowest note is B. In a chord symbol, whatever comes after the slash is always the bass.
What is the difference between G/B and G?
The notes are the same (G, B, D); only the lowest one changes. With B in the bass, G is in 1st inversion, and the bass line can move by step between chords.
How do you play G/B on guitar?
The shapes on this page go from easiest to hardest. In all of them B is the lowest note; the low strings that would sound below it are not played (x).