G Minor Chord (Gm) on Guitar
Gm (G minor) is made of the notes G – Bb – D. The easiest guitar fingering is 3100xx (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Gm
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 3 (G).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 3 | G | R |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | b3 |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | R |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a G minor chord?
A minor chord replaces the major third with a minor third, a half step lower. The root and perfect fifth stay the same.
Notes and formula. Gm contains G, Bb, D. Counted from the root G, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th).
Sound. Darker, more emotional and introspective than the major version of the same chord.
Where it is used. Minor chords give songs tension and melancholy. In a major key the ii, iii and vi chords are minor, and the vi chord is the relative minor, a favourite for ballads.
Tips for playing Gm
Learn each minor chord as a "major chord with one finger moved". Hearing the single-note change trains your ear to tell major from minor.
Common mistake: Playing the major shape by habit. Check the third: if you hear a bright sound where a sad one is needed, the third is wrong.
Keys that contain Gm
Gm is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- Eb major – iii chord
- F major – ii chord
- Bb major – vi chord
- C minor – v chord
- D minor – iv chord
- G minor – i chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over Gm
Related chords
Gm chord FAQ
What notes are in a Gm chord?
Gm (G minor) contains the notes G, Bb, D. The formula is R–b3–5 relative to the root G.
How do you play Gm on guitar?
The most common shape for Gm is 3100xx, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Is Gm an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Which keys contain Gm?
Gm is a diatonic chord in Eb major (iii), F major (ii), Bb major (vi), C minor (v), D minor (iv), G minor (i).
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