G-Shape Barre/Movable Guitar Chords

This lesson, we're looking at a 4th chord shape, the G-shape barre chord (or "movable chord shape" - it doesn't always require a barred finger!). Just as the other shapes relate to their open position equivalent, so too does the G-shape build on the open G chord we learn as beginners.

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The G-shape major barre chord

Let's start with the basic major G-shape. Don't play anything at the moment, just observe (click diagram to hear)...



So, just like in the first three lessons, we can see how the open position shape simply gets shifted up the fretboard, with the index finger barre acting as a new "nut" or capo. We can position this shape at a particular fret depending on the key we're playing in. To do this, we need to establish where the main root note of this shape lies...


The lowest root note for the G-shape barre/movable chord is on the E string. Therefore, if we know the fretboard notes along the E string, we'll know that positioning that shape with the A string root note at fret 7 would make it... B major. B is the note at fret 7 on the E string!

-----Side note----------

Know all the root notes on the low E string? If not, these fretboard lessons will help.

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We'll also look at some G-shape chord variations in a bit.

Fingering the G-shape barre chord

Note: many beginners and even guitarists who have been playing for years tell me they are simply unable to finger the major G shape chord. That's no problem - it's rarely used, but there are many other chords based around this shape that are easier to finger. More on these down the page here.

You can also learn how to cut down the full chord shapes to make the fingerings more accessible here.

When it comes to the basic major G shape chord, you need to form that familiar open G shape but this time your index finger is occupied with the barre (where the nut would be with the open G shape). This leaves your 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers to form the rest of the shape.

TIP: Even though the main root note is already fretted with your 3rd finger (not your barred finger, like with the E and A shapes), it's useful to get into the habit of barring your index finger across all 6 strings. This way, you'll be able to add pull-offs and "catch" them with your barred finger.

Working those fingers

Guitar Example - Download Jam Track

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Download your own drummer to make practicing barre chords more engaging and enjoyable. This helps you naturally develop your sense of rhythm & explore your creativity. Click Here >

For reference, below are some of the more common G-shape chord variations. Remember you can also apply these to the original open position shape (E string root) - they work the same way, as they draw from the same shape.

Note: The diagrams below use a suggested fingering - if you're playing a particular progression, you might want to alter the fingerings to accommodate...

Suspended G-shape Barre/Movable Chords

This is where the major or minor 3rd is replaced with the 4th/11th or 2nd/9th from the major scale - more on this in the separate chord theory lessons. They tend to be used as tension chords because of their "unresolved" feeling within a progression.

7 Sus 4 Add 9 (e.g. C#7sus4add9)

Don't be afraid to experiment with this shape. Use that barre/root string as the foundation for the chord, and simply add/remove fingers to the proceeding frets (as far as you can stretch in some cases). You're sure to find some unique sounding chord voicings. This is how I learned - far more rewarding than relying a chord chart.

From the four shapes so far in the series (E shape, A shape, C shape, G shape), we have already built up a huge library of chord voicings. There's still one final chord shape to learn, with even more voicings!

Highly Recommended

Download your own drummer to make practicing barre chords more engaging and enjoyable. This helps you naturally develop your sense of rhythm & explore your creativity. Click Here >

Where next?...

Assuming you're confident with the E-shape, A-shape, C-shape and now G-shape, learn the final main chord shape in your own time. Each shape offers an array of different barre chords and movable chord voicings, and the more creative options you give yourself, the more expressive your music can potentially be.

We've made excellent progress here!