The G7 guitar chord has a bright and cheerful feel, created through the seventh interval. The most common genres that use it are the blues and funk options due to the upbeat and groovy sounds offered.
G7 is easy for beginners to learn, especially when using the fourth position or the open string methods. There are many other variations of the chord, however, which are best for more experienced musicians. Learn more about how to play the G7, no matter the method you use, in the information provided below.
Table of Contents
- What is the G7 Guitar Chord?
- How Do You Play G7 on Guitar?
- Is the G7 Guitar Chord Easy to Play?
- What Does a G7 Chord Look Like?
- What Does the 7 Mean in G7 Chord?
- How Do You Convert G to G7?
- Popular Songs in the G7 Chord
- Start Practicing the G7 Guitar Chord Today
- FAQs
What is the G7 Guitar Chord?
The G7 guitar chord is very similar to the regular G. Guitar players only add F to the sound. There are four notes in the G7 chord rather than three in the regular G, as seen below.
G Notes
- G (root)
- B
- D
G7 Notes
- G (root)
- B
- D
- D (flattened)
Alternate Names
The G7 has many names. You can call it the G7 or G7 guitar chord, as seen throughout this article. Some musicians also call this option the G dominant 7th, however.
How Do You Play G7 on Guitar?
There are several methods you can use to play the G7 guitar chord. The most common option is the use of open strings, but it is not the only one. Learn more about the many methods that exist in the list below.
Open G7
The open G7 chord, as mentioned, uses open strings. You will place one finger on the high E string at the first fret to begin.
The second finger you place will go on the A string at the second fret. Finally, you will put your last finger on the low E string, leaving it at the third fret.
Fourth Position
To play the G7 chord in the fourth position, you will need to eliminate your use of the A and lower E strings. You will only strum the three strings below the D.
Put your first finger on the third, or G, string at the fourth fret. The second will go on the fourth string, which is the D, at the fifth fret. Finally, place your third finger on the second string, or the B, at the sixth fret.
One Finger G7
The one finger G7 chord is best if you are a beginner and are not confident about your guitar playing abilities. You will only have to place your hand at the first fret of the first string, which is the high E. You will strum starting at the D string, which is the fourth.
E7 Barre Shape
Do not worry because this article still concerns how to play the G7 chord on a guitar. For this method, you will put your fingers where you typically would for the open E7 chord.
Your first finger will cover every string on the third fret. Next, you will press down on the G string at the fourth fret. Finally, you will place your last finger on the A string at the fifth fret.
E7 Three Finger Version
If you find the previous method too overwhelming, this one could work better. You do not have to cover every string on the third fret to start.
Your first finger will stay on the low E string at the third fret. You will maintain the placement on the G string, which is at the fourth fret. Finally, you will place a finger on the D string at the third fret.
D7 Shape
You can also play your G7 guitar chord based on the D7 option. All you have to do is shift your finger placements to the fifth fret. The result has a blues-like sound to it.
Place your first finger on the fourth string at the fifth fret. Your second finger goes on the second string at the sixth fret.
Your third and fourth fingers will both go on the seventh fret. The first will go on the third string, and you can place the latter on the first.
C7 Shape
The C7 guitar chord can also form the G7 option. For this variation, you can move your fingers down to the tenth fret.
Your first finger will go on the second string at the eighth fret. You will press the second on the fourth string at the ninth fret.
Finally, the third and fourth will each be on the tenth fret. One will be on the fifth string and the other on the third.
C7 Three Fingers
Again, if the regular C7 chord is too complicated, consider the three finger method. You will still use the tenth fret, as aforementioned.
Your first finger will be the only one on the ninth fret. It will be on the fourth string, which is the D note.
Your second and third fingers will go on the tenth fret. One goes on the fifth string, which is the A. The other goes on the third string, which is the G.
A7 Shape
You can also use the shape of the A7 chord to build the G7. You will use three fingers instead of two, however. You will also have to create a barre on the tenth fret.
The first finger is in a barre across every string on the tenth fret, as mentioned. The second and third are each on the twelfth fret. The first is on the fourth, and the latter is on the second.
One Finger Barre G7
The one finger barre G7 is best if you need more practice expanding on your flexibility. It still utilizes the methods seen in an open chord, but you get to try a barre too.
Your first finger will go over the first through fourth strings on the twelfth fret. Place another, however, on the thirteenth fret at the first string.
When you strum using this method, you will start at the fourth string. Only play the notes that are below that one.
Is the G7 Guitar Chord Easy to Play?
If you opt to start with the open string and fourth position methods, the G7 chord is relatively easy for beginners. You do not have to barre your fingers and only have to place three on the fretboard.
As you become more confident in your guitar abilities, you can try out one of the other methods above. These include the E7 barre, which for some, is more enjoyable to play. These do take longer to learn, however. You have to keep one of your fingers flat across an entire fret.
What Does a G7 Chord Look Like?
As mentioned, there are many ways you can play the G7 chord. The two most common, however, are the fourth position and open string methods. If you are a beginner, you should learn how to place your fingers using these options first.
Open String Position Finger Placements
Your index finger will go on the E string at the first fret with the open string method. Place your middle finger on the A string at the second fret. Finally, your ring finger can go on the lower E string at the third fret.
Fourth Position Finger Placements
Your index finger will go on the G string at the fourth fret with the fourth position method. Your middle finger goes on the D string at the fifth fret. Finally, you can place your pinky on the B string at the sixth fret.
What Does the 7 Mean in G7 Chord?
As mentioned, there is a standard G chord available for guitar players to use too. You may wonder the difference, however, or why this one has a seven in its name. It is important to note, however, that the two are similar in their sound and use.
The G7 chord adds the seventh interval. In the G chord, you will play the root note and the third and fifth intervals.
The seventh note is a flattened D, which most agree is the same sound as an F. Overall, you will find songs that use the G7 chord to be warm and peaceful. The chord gives off a higher pitch too.
How Do You Convert G to G7?
In various genres of music, many guitar players have to convert G to G7. It is easy to learn this method, however, even if you are a beginner, so that you can continue producing beautiful music that your loved ones will enjoy.
You will have to move all of your fingers when making the conversion when using the open string method. The method will involve your index and ring fingers, for instance.
From their location on the G chord, you will move your ring and index fingers down one string to start. After doing this, you only have to move them one fret over. You will go towards the end of the fretboard in your movement, however.
When it comes to your middle finger, you will keep it on the same fret. You will have to move it up two strings to finalize the new chord, however.
Popular Songs in the G7 Chord
As mentioned, the G7 chord is very popular in the blues genre of music. You can find it in almost any type of song you can think of, as seen below.
Folk Songs that Use G7
When put into a folk song, the G7 chord gives the music a heartfelt and emotional sound. It draws listeners in, making them feel something when listening to the below options.
- Steve Goodman: “City of New Orleans”
- Kaleo: “All the Pretty Girls”
- Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Bad Moon Rising”
Pop Songs that Use G7
If you want your pop song to be catchy, you should consider the G7 chord. It also allows for beautiful harmonies if you have a group of voices you need to blend.
- The Supremes: “Baby Love”
- Coldplay: “The Scientist”
- Christina Aguilera: “Candyman”
Rock Songs that Use G7
In rock, the G7 chord is almost a surprise. It helps music sound more ethereal in this genre.
- Blue Oyster Cult: “Don’t Fear the Reaper”
- Sublime: “What I Got”
- Blink 182: “All the Small Things”
Country Songs that Use G7
The G7 chord gives country music a classic, acoustic feel. Classical songs in this genre use this chord the most.
- Hank Williams: “Hey Good Lookin'”
- Hank Williams: “Jambalaya”
- Johnny Cash: “Folsom Prison Blues”
Funk and Blues Songs that Use G7
Funk and blues are very similar genres. They have a soulful feel, elevated by the groove created by the G7 chord.
- James Brown: “I Got You (I Feel Good)”
- Earth, Wind, & Fire: “Shining Star”
- B.B. King: “Lucille”
Start Practicing the G7 Guitar Chord Today
By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to play the G7 chord on your guitar. It is relatively easy to learn if you are willing to put it into practice.
You can quickly convert the G to the G7. You only have to shift two of your fingers down and to the left. The middle finger, however, will stay on the same fret and go up the strings.
You can incorporate the G7 into your next rock, pop, or blues song. Some of the more popular pieces of music of recent years, including “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash, use this chord effectively. All you have to do now is write your own piece of music that incorporates the G7 chord.
FAQs
No, G7 and G major 7 (Gmaj7) are not the same chords.
The alternative chord to G7 in many cases, especially when used in a I-IV-V chord progression, is the G major chord (G).
