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.