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G Minor Chord

Gm places a minor third (B flat) between G and D. It is i in its own minor key, while the same notes can serve as vi in the relative major.

  • Notes: G-B flat-D
  • Symbol: Gm
  • i in G minor
  • Minor third
Switch chordGm

How to play a G minor chord

Notes: G - Bb - D · symbol Gm

  • Root position

    G - Bb - D
    C4
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 1st inversion

    Bb - D - G
    C4
    Right hand 1-2-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 2nd inversion

    D - G - Bb
    C4
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-2-1

Where does G minor belong?

The three notes come from the G minor scale, so this chord can act as its home base.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In G minorHome
    i

    The resting point of G minor. The major V before it makes the return feel final.

    GmiCmivDVGmi
  • In Bb majorThe relative minor
    vi

    Same notes as Bb major, a darker color. The vi in countless pop songs.

    BbIGmviEbIVFV
  • In F majorThe start of ii-V-I
    ii

    The first step of the most common move in jazz, heading to F.

    GmiiCVFI
  • In Eb majorA soft stand-in
    iii

    It shares two notes with Eb, so it can replace the I without leaving home.

    EbIGmiiiAbIVBbV

Progressions to try

  • GmCmDGm

    The major V gives this minor-key return a clear pull into Gm.

  • GmEbBbF

    The bVI and bVII chords keep the loop moving without the strong V-to-i return.

  • BbGmEbF

    Here Gm is vi in Bb major, a relative-minor turn away from the major tonic.

  • GmCF

    Gm begins a ii-V-I in F major; follow the bass as it reaches the final chord.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, start with the open 31003x grip. Let the open strings ring and keep any strings marked x silent. The 355333 shape gives you another position when the neighboring chords sit elsewhere on the neck.

On ukulele, the open shape 0231 is the easiest place to start. The 7765 grip moves the chord to another register.

On piano, play G-B flat-D. Move G up an octave to reach the first inversion, B flat-D-G; the notes remain the same while the lowest voice changes.

What are the inversions?

G is the root, B flat the minor third three semitones above it, and D the fifth seven semitones above it.

  • Root position: G-B flat-D, with G lowest.
  • First inversion: B flat-D-G, written Gm/Bb if B flat is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: D-G-B flat, written Gm/D if D is lowest in the whole arrangement.

A slash chord names the note in the bass, not merely the lowest note under one hand. Chord Inversions shows how to read that distinction.

How does G major differ?

Keep G and D in place, then raise B flat to B. That single change turns Gm into G. Try that one-note change on piano, then use the comparer to hear it in the full chord. See G for the other chord's full spelling and roles.

  • Gm

    G - Bb - D
    C4

    G minor

  • G

    G - B - D
    C4

    G major

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