fingering for the G major chord

I have seen two fingerings for the G major chord. 2nd finger on 5th string, 3rd finger on 6th string, and 4th finger on string. The other way i seen the G major chord played was 1st finger on 5th string, and 2nd finger on 6th string, and 3rd finger on 1st string. Just trying to see which fingering do you use the most for the G major Chord.

Originally Posted by: smoothnfI have seen two fingerings for the G major chord. 2nd finger on 5th string, 3rd finger on 6th string and 4th finger on [the 1st / High E ] string

Its a good question, on that has come up before. Suggestions would be:

-use what is most comfortable for you.

-try to be proficient with different fingerings.

-be aware that some fingerings set you up for the next chord, or a different chord. For example, the fingering that I quoted you on works for G, but also puts you in prime position for playing an open G7 chord, which is probably why you're seeing people play it that way. For the G7, you need to take your fourth finger off the high E string (1st string) and instead play F on the 1st string (first fret, with your first finger). You can let your fourth finger take a break, and play the rest of the strings open, or fret with your fourth finger on the 2nd string (B) at the third fret (D). Either way works.

Using the fingering for the G chord that involves the pink can feel very awkward at first, but it comes in handy as Slipin points out.

When the first finger is freed up, it can be used to play a Gsus4 easily by adding the C on the second string (first fret). You can also play a Gadd9 by adding the A note on the 3rd string (2nd fret). As you are strumming, you use these and ornamentation notes to add some spice.

With the other fingering for the G chord (pinky not used at all), none of this is available.

I watched many players use the G cord and have seen it being played 3 different ways.
I watched a U tube of Paul Larson and I'm sitting here waiting for his strings to break.
Sounds like he's using nails.
He plays the standard G cord from what I can see and it also looks he is just using his thumb and first finger for finger picking.
I just try learning all of them so if I run into a few players I know that i'll be able to play like they want me to.
BOB

I have a chart here and it shows 5 different G cords.
I'll stick with the easy ones because I seem to be able to play what I want with those and the finger picking adds to a nice sounding cord
BOB

Originally Posted by: maggiorUsing the fingering for the G chord that involves the pink can feel very awkward at first, but it comes in handy as Slipin points out.

When the first finger is freed up, it can be used to play a Gsus4 easily by adding the C on the second string (first fret). You can also play a Gadd9 by adding the A note on the 3rd string (2nd fret). As you are strumming, you use these and ornamentation notes to add some spice.

With the other fingering for the G chord (pinky not used at all), none of this is available.

I can play a few beetle songs but I watched the one lesson and it starts with the basic G and after a while she starts showing a different cord for the G.
I'm not a pro and I thing throwing everything at me like that just gets me to the point where I decide to stick with the easy way.
Yes it sets you up for another cord but this is supposed to be for beginners?
BOB LECH

Originally Posted by: Slipin LizardIts a good question, on that has come up before. Suggestions would be:

-use what is most comfortable for you.

-try to be proficient with different fingerings.

-be aware that some fingerings set you up for the next chord, or a different chord. For example, the fingering that I quoted you on works for G, but also puts you in prime position for playing an open G7 chord, which is probably why you're seeing people play it that way. For the G7, you need to take your fourth finger off the high E string (1st string) and instead play F on the 1st string (first fret, with your first finger). You can let your fourth finger take a break, and play the rest of the strings open, or fret with your fourth finger on the 2nd string (B) at the third fret (D). Either way works.

Right but in the past I learned from a book and never took a lesson.
I'm coming back after 22 years so tossing several different fingering patterings at me I don't think it's right.
I learn to play good,not look at the strings then go on with different cords.
BOB LECH