G/D on guitar: G with D in the bass
G/D is the G major chord (G, B, D) with its 5th, D, as the lowest note: the 2nd inversion of G. The notes are the same as in G; only the one at the bottom changes.
- Notes
- GBD
- Bass
- D 5th of the chord
How to play G/D on guitar
-
Shape 1 · 1st position
-
Shape 2 · fret 3 · barre
-
Shape 3 · fret 5 · barre
-
Shape 4 · fret 10 · barre
-
Shape 5 · fret 7
Where G/D shows up
The 5th in the bass is unstable and asks to move. The textbook use is the cadence: G/D → D7 → G, with the bass holding the same note through the first two chords (the "cadential six-four").
Other positions of G
Frequently asked questions
What does G/D mean?
G/D reads "G over D": you play G and the lowest note is D. In a chord symbol, whatever comes after the slash is always the bass.
What is the difference between G/D and G?
The notes are the same (G, B, D); only the lowest one changes. With D in the bass, G is in 2nd inversion, and the bass line can move by step between chords.
How do you play G/D on guitar?
The shapes on this page go from easiest to hardest. In all of them D is the lowest note; the low strings that would sound below it are not played (x).