How To Play The G7 Chord on Guitar

The guitar chord G7 is a major-minor 7th chord made from the notes G B D F. Major minor 7th chords are also called dominant 7th chords. Because of the differences in terminology, the G7 chord goes by many names – It may be referred to as G7, G dominant 7, or G major minor 7. In lead sheet music, however, it is always written as G7. That makes things more simple!

G7 is most commonly heard as the V chord (or the dominant 😉 ) in the key of C. It might also be heard in the key of C minor. Read on to learn more about G7 and ways to play!

G7 Chord Theory

• G7 is a major-minor 7th chord
• Major-minor 7 chords are constructed by stacking a major triad with a minor 7th.
• The notes that make up a G7 chord are GBDF – all notes from the C major scale.
• G7 is the V chord (also called the dominant chord) in the key of C Major.
• The role of the dominant chord is to resolve back to the tonic.
• The sound of a dominant chord has a lot of tension. This is because it contains the leading tone as its 3rd. (B)
• Major-minor 7th chords are also called dominant 7 chords.

Easy way to Play G7

This version is the simple open chord for G7.

• Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string.
• Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
• Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string.

How To Play The G7 Guitar Chord

• Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string and barre.
• Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string.
• Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th string.

• Place your index finger on the 10th fret of the 5th string.
• Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the 4th string.
• Place your pinky on the 12th fret of the 2nd string.

Alternate Ways To Play G7

• Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string.
• Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string.
• Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string.
• Place your pinky on the 7th fret of the 1st string.

• Place your index finger on the 12th fret of the 4th string and barre.
• Place your middle finger on the 13th fet of the 1st string.

• Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string.
• Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.
• Place your pinky on the 4th fret of the 3rd string.
• Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.

Learn To Play Other Dominant Guitar Chords

Dominant chords, as a type of 7th chord, bring a distinct tension and resolution to music. Their unique blend of major and minor intervals creates a compelling sound that often leads to satisfying harmonic progressions in your guitar playing journey. Here’s how to play the basic ones:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a G7 Chord?

A G7 chord is a special type of 7th chord called a dominant chord. The function of the Dominant 7th chord is to resolve back to the tonic. 

Because G is the 5th scale degree in the key of C, those are the only keys you will see the chord.

Is G7 a dominant chord?

Yes!

Is G7 a diminished chord?

No. 

A diminished chord has a minor 3rd and a diminished 5th, whereas a dominant 7 chord has a major 3rd, perfect 5th and a minor 7th.

There are so many types of chords it can be difficult to remember them all!

What is the difference between G and G7?

When you see G, the chord is a G major triad. G7 is a dominant 7th chord built on G. 

These 2 chords serve two completely different functions. For example, G is the tonic of the Key of G major. However, G7 is not included in the G Major key.

Another way I can prove this is by showing you the notes that make up each chord.

GBD fits perfectly fine in G major,

However GBDF does not fit because G major has an F# in its key signature.

G7 is also not to be confused with G Major 7, which has the notes G B D F#.

Is G7 chord difficult?

The G7 chord may be difficult for some to understand theoretically. But learning the theory is not always as important as knowing how to play the chord. In terms of dexterity, it is not a difficult chord to play. For many of us, it may be the first 7th chord we ever learn!

Conclusion

G7 is the 5 chord in the key of C. Dominant chords are filled with tension that make us want to resolve back to the tonic. Because of its dominant function, the G7 chord wants to “go home” to C. 

The G7 chord is made of the notes GBDF. Dominant 7 chords are built from a major triad and a minor 7th, which is why they may also be called major minor 7th chords.

Hopefully now you can go play many songs in the key of C!

Related: B7 Chord On Guitar: Easy Ways To Play!