How To Play G5 Guitar Chord
In today's lesson, we'll go over 4 distinct ways to play the G5 chord. The technical term for the G5 guitar chord is a "5th chord," but its slang term is a "power chord" because it sounds POWERFUL to our ears!
These guitar chords consists of the root note and the fifth note of the scale (hence the number 5) and not only sound great, but they are also very easy to learn for beginners.
Power chords are used in all genres but are specifically important for rock and heavy metal music, so if you like AC/DC or Metallica these chords are a must.
G5 Power Chord In Open Position
Most guitarists don't realize, but you can play the G5 in the open position! This is one of my favorite power chords because it gives such a big and bright sound.
To play, place your:
- Second finger on the sixth string, third fret
- Strum down only to the open D note and the open G note
- Use your second finger to mute the fifth string
You can also add your pinky to the high e string on the third fret and your ring finger to the second string on the third fret. This fingering will be ideal if you are strumming, as you can strum all the strings and not have to worry about strumming a wrong note.
G5 Chord 3rd Position
This next example is the most popular way to play the G5 guitar chord and only requires two strings. This power chord shape would also be considered a moveable chord. Meaning, you can move the shape up or down the fretboard, and it’s the same fingering.
To play, place your:
- Index finger on the low e string (sixth string), third fret
- Ring finger on the fifth string, fifth fret
If your fingers don't stretch and you want to use your pinky, it is because your thumb is in the wrong place, and it's causing your hand not to stretch/work properly. See video for tips on technique.
To add more top end to the chord you can play the G power chord on three strings by adding your pinky to the fourth string, fifth fret.
G5 Chord Fifth Position
The next example uses the same fingering, just in a different place on your fretboard. To play, place your:
- First finger on the fourth string, fifth fret
- Third finger on the third string, seventh fret
This will be an octave higher in pitch without moving too far up the guitar neck. Practice moving back and forth from this position and the others you have already learned.
Just like last time, you can add in your pinky to add a bit more top end and range to the chord. However, due to how the guitar is tuned, in this position you'll need to add it to the second string 8th fret.
Notice all these power chords are in the root position (the G note is the lowest sound). Memorize these notes and file them away in your brain. Learning the notes on your fretboard will make everything much easier as you continue on your guitar journey
G5 Chord 10th Position
The last G power chord we'll learn is played higher up the fretboard, which will make it really easy to play. To play, place your:
- Index finger on the 5th string, 10th fret
- Ring finger on the 4th string, 12th fret
Like the other examples, you can also add in your pinky to give a bit more top end range to the chord. Simply add your pinky finger to the 3rd string 12th fret.
Now you know so many ways to play the G power chord, let’s learn some power chord music theory!
G5 Guitar Chord Theory
Now, let’s break down the theory of the G5 chord so you can better understand how it's constructed and what's going on under the hood.
The G5 guitar chord is built from the G major scale: G A B C D E F#
To understand the chord formula, you need to understand "scale degrees," which is simply numbering the notes of a scale starting with the root note.
Often, music teachers reference the piano due to the simplicity of the layout for scales, but I think the illustration below will do:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
G A B C D E F#
The G5 Chord is Neither Major Nor Minor
In music theory, the 3rd scale degree determines if a chord is major or minor, and because the 3rd scale degree is not part of this chord's formula, it's simply not a major nor minor chord.
If you've read my breakdown of the A major chord, you'd know that an A chord uses notes A C# E, which are chord tones 1 3 5 notes of the scale. To create an A5 chord, all we need is the 1 and the 5 (hence where the number five comes from), which are notes A and E.
Also, if you've checked out my breakdown of the A minor chord, you'll know that an Am chord uses notes A C E. Notice anything? The A5 chord is neither major nor minor but part of both!
Using the Power Chords
In music theory, the 3rd scale degree determines if a chord is major or minor, and because the 3rd scale degree is not part of this chord's formula, it's simply not a major nor minor chord.
If you've read my breakdown of the G major chord, you'd know that a G chord uses notes G B D which are chord tones 1 3 5 notes of the scale. To create a G5 chord, all we need is the 1 and the 5 (hence where the number five comes from), which are notes G and D as you can see in each chord diagram.
If we go a layer deeper with music theory and talk about intervals, it would be the root note and the perfect fifth. (We'll have in depth discussions on intervals in other lessons)
Chord Progressions Using G Power Chord
G5 - Eb5 - F5 - F5 (very popular for rock music and metal)
G5 - C5 - D5 (very popular for punk rock)
G5 - D5 - E5 - C5 (very popular for rock and pop)
Strumming Patterns
If you follow my work, you'll know that I HATE the concept of strum patterns. If you simply learn the basics of rhythm and how rhythm works, you can make up your own strum patterns and you won’t have to Google this stuff
Further, strumming like the DDUD (down, down, up, down) doesn't really work for power chords. For the most part you'll want to always strum DOWN with power chords as they give a driving feel (important for rock and metal).
The symbol above the music staff means strum down
P.M. means to PALM MUTE this creates a CHUG type sound
Now you know a few ways to play the G5 and understand some G5 theory!
If you need help understanding keys and more in-depth theory, inside the Guitar GPS Method, I'll systematically build your skills, knowledge, and creativity in an easy to follow leveled system of gamified courses and popular songs.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share!