G Major Chord (1st Position) on the Cuatro

The G Major chord is one of the most important shapes you’ll learn on the Venezuelan Cuatro. It’s simple to form, uses only two fingers, and serves as the foundation for many traditional and modern songs.

🎯 Finger Position for G Major (1st Position)

Place your fingers as follows:

4th string → Open (string closest to your face)

Middle finger → 2nd fret on the 1st string (string closest to the floor)

2nd string → Open (no finger)

Index finger → 1st fret on the 3rd string

The finger positioning is as follows:

1. Middle finger 2nd fret on the 1st string
2. Open 2nd string
3. Index finger 1st fret on the 3rd string
4. Open 4th string

Take a look at the video below to get a closer look at the G Major Chord:

G Major Chord

2.0.1.0

The composition of the G Major chord is with the following progression of notes:

B – D – G – B

This is demonstrated in the video below:

G Major Chord Composition

💡 Pinky Finger Tip – Adding Ornamentation

Once you’re comfortable with the G chord:

1. Hold the G Major shape.
2. Use your pinky to press the 3rd fret on the 3rd string.
3. Strum the chord as normal, occasionally adding this pinky note to create a richer, more dynamic sound.

This technique lets you decorate your G chord, adding subtle melodic accents—perfect for styles like Vals Tonada, Aguinaldo, or Merengue.