Chords in the key of G major
The key of G major has the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, and F♯ and the chords G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, and F♯°. As seventh chords: G7M, Am7, Bm7, C7M, D7, Em7, and F♯m7(♭5). Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯). Relative minor: E minor.
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F♯
Chords in G major
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | G | G7M | tonic |
| ii | Am | Am7 | subdominant |
| iii | Bm | Bm7 | tonic |
| IV | C | C7M | subdominant |
| V | D | D7 | dominant |
| vi | Em | Em7 | tonic |
| vii° | F♯° | F♯m7(♭5) | dominant |
Each chord in the table opens its guitar page, with the diagram and the sound.
The chords of G major on the piano
What each chord does
Tonic (G, Bm, and Em) feels at rest; subdominant (Am and C) moves away from home; dominant (D and F♯°) builds tension and wants to go back to G.
Common progressions in G major
Listen to each one and open it in the backing track to play along.
-
The pop progression
I–V–vi–IVThe most used sequence in pop and country: it works under almost any melody.
-
50s progression
I–vi–IV–VThe "doo-wop": from 1950s ballads to today's romantic pop.
-
Jazz IIm–V–I
ii7–V7–Imaj7The most important cadence in jazz and bossa nova.
-
The three chords
I–IV–VI–IV–V: the foundation of rock, blues, country and folk.
-
Sentimental pop
vi–IV–I–VThe pop progression starting on the relative minor: emotional, chorus-ready.
Relative and parallel keys
Relative minor: E minor. Both scales have the same notes and the same key signature (1 sharp (F♯)).
Parallel key: G minor, with the same tonic and the other mode. Switching between them mid-song changes the mood without moving the home note.
Neighbours on the circle of fifths: C major (a fifth below) and D major (a fifth above). Modulating to them sounds natural.
Circle of fifths
G major is highlighted. Clockwise, each step goes up a fifth and adds a sharp; counter-clockwise, a flat. The relative minors are on the inside. Tap a key to see its chords.
Scales and tools for G major
Chords in other keys
Major keys
Minor keys
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of G major?
G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, and F♯°. As seventh chords: G7M, Am7, Bm7, C7M, D7, Em7, and F♯m7(♭5).
What is the relative of G major?
E minor. Both scales have the same notes and the same key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).
What is the key signature of G major?
G major has 1 sharp (F♯) in its key signature.
What is the dominant chord in G major?
It is D (or D7 with the seventh), the V chord. It builds tension and resolves to G, the tonic.
What chord progressions work in G major?
The most common: I–V–vi–IV: G D Em C; I–vi–IV–V: G Em C D; ii7–V7–Imaj7: Am7 D7 G7M; I–IV–V: G C D; vi–IV–I–V: Em C G D.