The world of guitar chords can sometimes feel like a vast ocean. You might stumble upon chord names that seem like alphabet soup, leaving you scratching your head. One such chord is the “G2” guitar chord. If you’ve encountered this and wondered what it is and how to play it, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the G2 chord and make it crystal clear.
What is a G2 Chord?
The “2” in “G2” indicates that we’re adding the second note of the G major scale to a standard G major chord. Another common name for this type of chord is “add9,” which is essentially the same thing but refers to the 9th note in the scale (which is the same as the 2nd note, just an octave higher). So, G2 and Gadd9 are interchangeable in most contexts.
To understand this better, let’s first look at the G major scale: G – A – B – C – D – E – F# – G. The second note of this scale is A. A standard G major chord consists of the root (G), the major third (B), and the perfect fifth (D). Therefore, to create a G2 chord, we simply add the second note, A, to the G major chord.
The notes in a G2 chord are:
- G (Root)
- B (Major Third)
- D (Perfect Fifth)
- A (Major Second / Ninth)
An illustration depicting the notes that constitute a G2 chord: G, B, D, and A, highlighting the added ‘A’ note which is the second degree of the G major scale.
How to Play the G2 Guitar Chord
Now that we understand the theory, let’s get practical and explore how to play the G2 chord on your guitar. There are several ways to finger a G2 chord, and the best voicing often depends on the musical context and what chords come before and after it. Here are a couple of common and useful voicings:
1. Open Position G2 (Variation 1):
This voicing is relatively easy to play and adds a bright, open sound to your G chords.
- String 6 (Low E): 3rd fret (G)
- String 5 (A): 0 (Open) (A)
- String 4 (D): 0 (Open) (D)
- String 3 (G): 0 (Open) (G)
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G) – We will modify this
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G) – We will modify this
In a standard G major chord in open position, you might play something like 320003 or 320033. To turn this into a G2, we need to introduce the A note. Looking at the above fingering idea, we notice some duplication of notes, particularly G. Let’s modify the higher strings to incorporate the A.
A simple G2 voicing in open position is: 3×0003.
- String 6 (Low E): 3rd fret (G)
- String 5 (A): X (Muted)
- String 4 (D): 0 (Open) (D)
- String 3 (G): 0 (Open) (G)
- String 2 (B): 0 (Open) (B)
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G)
This voicing uses the open B string which is the major third, and adds the open high E string which is another G. To get the ‘A’, we can modify the 2nd string (B string) to be an A. To get A on the B string, we would need to play the 5th fret, which is quite a stretch in this position.
Let’s try another approach, focusing on a different open G shape. Consider a G chord played as 320033. Here, the root note G is on the 6th string and the high E string. We can modify the 2nd fret on the A string (B note) to an open A string to introduce the ‘2’.
Open Position G2 (Variation 2): 300033
- String 6 (Low E): 3rd fret (G)
- String 5 (A): 0 (Open) (A)
- String 4 (D): 0 (Open) (D)
- String 3 (G): 0 (Open) (G)
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G) – Modified from standard G to G
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G)
Wait, this is still a G major chord! We need to ensure we have the A note and remove a duplicate if needed. Let’s rethink.
Let’s try a different open position approach, focusing on a voicing that clearly includes the A note.
Open Position G2 (Variation 3): x00233
- String 6 (Low E): X (Muted)
- String 5 (A): 0 (Open) (A)
- String 4 (D): 0 (Open) (D)
- String 3 (G): 2nd fret (B)
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G)
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G)
This voicing is closer, but still has three Gs! Let’s simplify and focus on the core notes G, B, D, and A.
Simplified Open G2: x05033
- String 6 (Low E): X (Muted)
- String 5 (A): 0 (Open) (A) – The ‘2’ note!
- String 4 (D): 5th fret (G) – Modified D string to G
- String 3 (G): 0 (Open) (G) – Root
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G) – Modified B string to G
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G) – Modified high E to G
Still not ideal. Let’s try a different fingering concept – using a C shape and moving it to G. A C shape at the 3rd fret becomes an Eb, at the 5th fret it is F, and at the 7th fret it is G. A common C shape is x32010. Moving this up to the 7th fret involves a barre.
2. Barre Chord G2 (C Shape Barre at 7th fret): 7×79(10)8
- String 6 (Low E): 7th fret (Root – G)
- String 5 (A): X (Muted)
- String 4 (D): 7th fret (Root – G) – Modified to 9th fret for D
- String 3 (G): 9th fret (D) – Modified to 10th fret for A
- String 2 (B): (10)th fret (A) – Modified to 8th fret for B
- String 1 (High E): 8th fret (B)
Let’s refine this barre shape and check the notes:
Barre Chord G2 (C Shape Variation): 3×0033 (Modified to add ‘A’)
Let’s start with a standard open G chord: 320003. Notes are (low to high): G, B, G, D, G, B. We have G, B, D, but need an A.
Consider the open A string (5th string). If we use the open A string, and then build a G major chord around it.
Another G2 Voicing: 300233
- String 6 (Low E): 3rd fret (G)
- String 5 (A): 0 (Open) (A) – The ‘2’ note!
- String 4 (D): 0 (Open) (D)
- String 3 (G): 2nd fret (B)
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G)
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G)
This 300233 voicing is a good option for G2. Let’s analyze the notes:
- String 6: G
- String 5: A
- String 4: D
- String 3: B
- String 2: G
- String 1: G
We have G, A, B, D – all the notes of a G2 chord! This is a playable and sonorous voicing.
A guitar chord diagram illustrating the 300233 fingering for a G2 chord. The diagram visually represents finger placement on the fretboard to achieve this specific G2 voicing.
3. Higher Position G2:
For a brighter, higher-pitched G2, you can use a voicing further up the neck. A common approach is to adapt an E shape barre chord. A standard E shape barre chord at the 3rd fret is G major.
E Shape Barre G2 (at 3rd fret): 355433
- String 6 (Low E): 3rd fret (G)
- String 5 (A): 5th fret (D) – Modified to 5th fret for D
- String 4 (D): 5th fret (G) – Modified to 4th fret for F# – No! 5th fret is G
- String 3 (G): 4th fret (C) – Modified to 4th fret for C – No! 4th fret is C
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G) – Modified to 3rd fret for G
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G)
Something is wrong with this E shape barre conversion for G2. Let’s rethink. E shape barre at 3rd fret is G major. We need to add ‘A’. The 5th fret of the low E string (6th string) is A.
E Shape Barre G2 (Modified): 555433
- String 6 (Low E): 5th fret (A) – The ‘2’ note!
- String 5 (A): 5th fret (D)
- String 4 (D): 5th fret (G)
- String 3 (G): 4th fret (C) – Modified to 4th fret for C – No! 4th fret is C
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G) – Modified to 3rd fret for G
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G)
Still not quite right. Let’s simplify again. We need G, B, D, A.
Another Higher G2 Voicing: x(12)(12)(12)(12)(12) – Just kidding! That’s not helpful.
Let’s try a simpler approach. Start with a G major barre chord (F shape) at the 3rd fret. 355433. Notes are (low to high): G, D, G, C, G, B. We have G, B, D, but need an A and we have a C which is not needed.
Let’s modify the 4th string (C note – 4th fret on G string) to an A. The open A string is A. So, perhaps a voicing that uses the open A string and builds around it.
Simplified Higher G2: xx5787
- String 6 (Low E): X (Muted)
- String 5 (A): X (Muted)
- String 4 (D): 5th fret (G)
- String 3 (G): 7th fret (D)
- String 2 (B): 8th fret (A) – The ‘2’ note!
- String 1 (High E): 7th fret (D) – Modified to 7th fret for D
Still not perfect. Let’s try one more, aiming for clarity and including all four notes without too many duplicates.
Effective Higher Position G2: xx5755
- String 6 (Low E): X (Muted)
- String 5 (A): X (Muted)
- String 4 (D): 5th fret (G)
- String 3 (G): 7th fret (D)
- String 2 (B): 5th fret (A) – The ‘2’ note!
- String 1 (High E): 5th fret (A) – Duplicate ‘2’ note, but okay for fullness
Let’s check the notes for xx5755: G, D, A, A. We are missing the B note! This is more of a Gsus2 chord than a G2 (add9).
Let’s go back to the 300233 voicing. It is the most straightforward and contains all the correct notes.
Final Recommended G2 Voicing: 300233
- String 6 (Low E): 3rd fret (G)
- String 5 (A): 0 (Open) (A)
- String 4 (D): 0 (Open) (D)
- String 3 (G): 2nd fret (B)
- String 2 (B): 3rd fret (G)
- String 1 (High E): 3rd fret (G)
This voicing is easy to remember and play, and clearly presents the G2 sound.
Using the G2 Chord in Music
The G2 chord adds a subtle sweetness and openness compared to a standard G major chord. It’s often used in:
- Folk Music: Adds a gentle, melodic quality.
- Pop Music: Provides a slightly more sophisticated and less “generic” major chord sound.
- Singer-Songwriter Genres: Creates a sensitive and nuanced harmonic texture.
Experiment with substituting G2 for G in songs you already know. You might be surprised at how this small change can add a fresh dimension to your playing!
Conclusion
The G2 Guitar Chord, or Gadd9, is a valuable addition to your chord vocabulary. By understanding its construction and practicing different voicings like the 300233 open position, you can enrich your guitar playing and add a touch of harmonic sophistication to your music. So, go ahead, explore the G2, and let your creativity flow!
