Violin · Level 1 · First steps

Your first three major chords in G major on Violin

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THE SHORT ANSWER

Three major chords — built on the first, fourth and fifth notes of the key — are enough to accompany a huge number of songs. Learn each shape slowly, then move between them in time.

G

G major

Notes: G · B · D

G openG 2D openD 3
String and finger, first position

C

C major

Notes: C · E · G

G 3D 1D 3A 2
String and finger, first position

D

D major

Notes: D · F♯ · A

D open♯D 2A openA 3
String and finger, first position
1
G
2
C
3
D
4
G

HOW TO PRACTISE IT

Six steps to a clean loop.

  1. Play each chord as an arpeggio, one note at a time: G, C and D. Press play on the card, then match each note.
  2. Stay in first position: use the open string where you can and keep the fingers close to the string.
  3. Set the tempo to 45 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Hold each chord for a full bar and change on beat one without stopping the count.
  4. Play the chord tones one at a time, one note per beat, with a full, even bow on each.
  5. Raise the tempo to 60 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
  6. Record one take, listen back and check for every note of the chord sounding clearly, with no buzz or missing notes.

Listen for

Aim for every note of the chord sounding clearly, with no buzz or missing notes. A common mistake is stopping the beat while the fingers find the next chord.

Why it works

I, IV and V are the three major chords that occur naturally in a major key. V leads strongly back to I, which is why the progression feels finished.

G major has 1 sharp; its relative minor key is E minor.

Questions

What are the chords in I–IV–V–I in G major?

In G major the progression is G | C | D | G.

What is the key signature of G major?

G major has 1 sharp. Its relative minor is E minor.

Is this lesson right for my level?

This is a level 1 lesson (first steps). It is the very first lesson in the path.

Your hands learn faster than your eyes.

Reading a chord chart is step one. Play it to a metronome, record it, and hear yourself get better, all in one app.

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The same lesson in other keys

On another instrument

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