G in Morse Code: −−·
The letter G in Morse code is −−·, spoken as "DAH-DAH-dit": two long, then one short. That is 1 dot and 2 dashes, with a dash held three times as long as a dot. To remember it, think GOOD GRA-vy (two stressed beats, then a quick one).
Timing: how long each part lasts
Morse timing is built from one unit, the length of a dot. A dash is 3 units, and the silence between the elements of a single character is 1 unit. At 20 words per minute, one unit is 60 ms, so G breaks down like this:
| Element | Signal | Length (units) | At 20 WPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dash | − | 3 | 180 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dash | − | 3 | 180 ms |
| Gap | (silence) | 1 | 60 ms |
| Dot | · | 1 | 60 ms |
| Total for G | 9 | 540 ms | |
How to signal G
- Tap it: two long, then one short. A short is a quick tap; a long is a heavier tap, or a quick tap followed by a slight hold, about three times as long.
- Blink it: two long, then one short. Use quick blinks for dots and slow, deliberate eye closes for dashes, keeping the rhythm steady.
- Flash it: two long, then one short. Short flashes for dots; for dashes, hold the light on about three times longer. Any flashlight or phone screen works.
How to remember G
Say GOOD GRA-vy (two stressed beats, then a quick one) in rhythm with the code and the pattern sticks: "DAH-DAH-dit".
Words that start with G: Golf −−· −−− ·−·· ··−·, gate −−· ·− − ·, garden −−· ·− ·−· −·· · −·, glow −−· ·−·· −−− ·−−. The first is G's NATO phonetic name, which operators use to spell aloud.
Ham operators still open and close conversations with G: GM for good morning and GN for good night are everyday CW shorthand.