Chords in the key of G major on ukulele
The chords in the key of G major are built from the notes of the scale: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant D7 leading back to G.
The chords of the key
- GI
- Amii
- Bmiii
- CIV
- DV
- D7V7
- Emvi
- F#dimvii°
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | G | tonic (rest) |
| ii | Am | subdominant (moves away) |
| iii | Bm | tonic (rest) |
| IV | C | subdominant (moves away) |
| V | D | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | D7 | dominant (tension) |
| vi | Em | tonic (rest) |
| vii° | F#dim | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Pop (I–V–vi–IV): G – D – Em – C
- 50s (I–vi–IV–V): G – Em – C – D
- ii–V–I: Am – D7 – G – G
- Turnaround (I–vi | ii–V7): G Em – Am D7
To improvise
The G major scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the major pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key. G major pentatonic · G major scale
Relative key: E minor, with the same notes and a different home chord.