Key

The key of G major · 1 sharp: F♯

Major keys sound bright and settled. The I, IV and V chords do most of the work; the minor ii, iii and vi add color.

Relative minor: E minor — the same notes and key signature. Parallel minor: G minor. Scale: G major scale.

Notes in the key

GABCDEF♯

Chords in G major

One chord on each note of the scale. Roman numerals show each chord’s position — uppercase for major, lowercase for minor.

Left-handed

I G

G B D

ii Am

A C E

iii Bm

B D F♯

IV C

C E G

V D

D F♯ A

vi Em

E G B

vii° F♯dim

F♯ A C

Common progressions in G major

The pop progression I–V–vi–IV G – D – Em – C Three-chord rock I–IV–V–IV G – C – D – C The ’50s progression I–vi–IV–V G – Em – C – D The minor-feel pop progression vi–IV–I–V Em – C – G – D The 12-bar blues 12-bar blues G7 – C7 – D7 The jazz cadence ii–V–I Am7 – D7 – Gmaj7 The turnaround I–vi–ii–V G – Em – Am – D Pachelbel’s Canon I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V G – D – Em – Bm – C – G – C – D The Mixolydian rock progression I–♭VII–IV–I G – F – C – G

Circle of fifths

Each step clockwise adds a sharp (or removes a flat). Neighbors on the circle share all but one note, so G major’s closest keys are right next to it — and its relative minor sits on the inner ring. Click any key to open it.