What are the chords in the key of G Major?

The seven diatonic chords in the key of G Major are: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#m. These correspond to the Roman numerals I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii.

What are common chord progressions in the key of G Major?

Two of the most popular progressions in G Major are the I–V–vi–IV (G – D – Em – C) and the I–IV–V–I (G – C – D – G). These appear in countless pop, rock, and folk songs.

Chords in the Key of G Major

The key of G Major contains seven diatonic chords: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#m. Use the interactive generator below to build progressions, hear them played back with drums and accompaniment, and export to MIDI.

Diatonic Chords in G Major

iii

vii

F#m

Relative Minor

The relative minor of G Major is E Minor. Both keys share the same set of notes and diatonic chords, but centre on a different tonic — making E Minor the natural choice for a darker or more melancholic feel.

Modes of G Major

Every mode below is built from the same seven notes as G Major, starting on a different scale degree.

G MajorI – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii

A Doriani – ii – III – IV – v – vi – VII

B Phrygiani – II – III – iv – v – VI – vii

C LydianI – II – iii – iv – V – vi – vii

D MixolydianI – ii – iii – IV – v – vi – VII

E Minori – ii – III – iv – v – VI – VII

About G Major

G Major is arguably the most popular key for guitar songwriting. The open G, C, D, and Em chord shapes are among the very first that most guitarists learn, and they combine to produce bright, uplifting progressions.

With just one sharp (F♯), G Major is easy to read and play on virtually any instrument. It is a favourite in pop, folk, country, and praise-and-worship music.

From The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" to countless campfire standards, G Major's sunny character and accessibility have made it one of the most recorded keys in popular music history.