How to play the G major over F chord on guitar
Unlock the secrets of songs like "Wonderwall" and "Sweet Home Alabama".
The G major over F chord
The G chord, pronounced "G major over F," is a unique voicing that adds a touch of sophistication to the standard G major chord. By playing an F note in the bass, the G/F chord creates a rich, expansive sound. It's commonly used in jazz, pop, and rock music to provide a smooth transition between chords or to add a subtle hint of tension.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common G major over F chord. We've also included other versions below.
![G major over F guitar chord diagram](/_next/image?url=%2Fguitar%2Fchords%2FG_F.png&w=640&q=75)
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Finger placement for G major over F chord
The most popular way to play a G major over F chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.
Follow these finger positions to play a G major over F chord on your guitar:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the G major over F chord. You can also try alternating between down and up strums for a more dynamic sound.
How to play an easy G major over F chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the G major over F chord, try playing an F major chord (133211) and adding your pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string. This creates a G/F chord, which has a similar sound but is easier to play.
How to play a G major over F bar chord
The G major over F barre chord is a great way to add variety and richness to your guitar playing, especially when transitioning between chords.
Here's how to play a G major over F barre chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret, creating a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
- Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.
Common G major over F chord progressions
The G major over F chord, also known as G/F, is a powerful and emotive chord that often serves as a transitional or resolving chord in progressions. It can evoke feelings of yearning, resolution, and sometimes even a bittersweet sentiment. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the G/F chord:
- I - V/ii - ii - V (G - D/F# - Am - D) - Used in "Let It Be" by The Beatles and "Faithfully" by Journey
- I - V/ii - IV - V (G - D/F# - C - D) - Used in "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond and "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
- vi - V/ii - IV - V (Em - D/F# - C - D) - Used in "Hey Jude" by The Beatles and "Wonderwall" by Oasis
- ii - V/ii - I - V (Am - D/F# - G - D)
- IV - V/ii - I - V (C - D/F# - G - D) - Used in "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley and "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
Drills to master the G major over F chord
To master the G major over F guitar chord, try this simple drill: play each note of the chord individually, starting with the lowest pitch and moving to the highest. Focus on clarity and precision. Once comfortable, play the notes in reverse order, starting with the highest pitch and descending to the lowest.
Another effective drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between the G major over F chord and other chords you commonly use. Start slowly, ensuring each transition is clean and precise, then gradually increase your speed as you build confidence and muscle memory.
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Songs that feature the G major over F chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the G major over F chord:
- Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
- Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am)
- Stand By Me by Ben E. King (A, F#m, D, E)
- The Joker by Steve Miller Band (F, C, G)
- What's Up by 4 Non Blondes (A, Bm, D, G)
- Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (G, D, Am, C)
- Zombie by The Cranberries (Em, C, G, D)
- Otherside by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Am, F, C, G)
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A)
- Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix (C, G, D, A)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.