G Minor Chord
The G minor chord uses G, B flat and D. Press those notes together and you have Gm. Keep the root and fifth, then change only the middle note to hear how a minor chord differs from a major one.
- Notes: G-B flat-D
- Symbol: Gm
- Three positions
Where are the notes?
G and D are white keys, B flat is black. Compare it with the white B next door to hear the parallel major third.
G is the root. B flat is three semitones above it, a minor third. D is seven semitones above the root. If the written chord symbol has a small m, such as Gm, the third is the note you should check first. Minor Chord gives the general formula.
How do the inversions work?
- Root position: G-B flat-D, with G lowest.
- First inversion: B flat-D-G, with B flat lowest.
- Second inversion: D-G-B flat, with D lowest.
When B flat is the lowest note in the whole arrangement, write Gm/Bb. With D in the bass, write Gm/D. An inversion changes the register and bass line, while the note set stays G-B flat-D.
Where does Gm fit?
G minor is the home triad in G natural minor. It is also the sixth chord in B flat major. In that major key, the same notes have a different role because the melody and surrounding chords point elsewhere.
Try Gm-Cm-Dm-Gm. These four chords come from the G natural-minor scale. The final Gm repeats the first chord, so listen for the return after the middle two. If you later replace the chord on scale degree 5 with its major form, you will introduce a raised seventh from harmonic minor.
What changes in G major?
Raise B flat to B; keep G and D. You get G-B-D. Play both chords at the same volume, then alternate their thirds alone. The single changed key is the reliable distinction, even when tempo or instrument color changes.
A short practice loop
Play G-B flat-D together, then B flat-D-G. Name the new lowest note before pressing "Hear" again. Return to root position, change B flat to B, and say whether the result is major or minor.