All 4 ways to play Gb on guitar
-
244322 at the 2nd fret -
xx4676 at the 4th fret -
x98676 at the 6th fret -
x-9-11-11-11-9 at the 9th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Gb on guitar
Main shape: 244322 (at the 2nd fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the low E (6th) to the high E (1st) string at the 2nd fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 4th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Strum all 6 strings.
Gb notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| G♭ | 1 | root |
| B♭ | 3 | major 3rd |
| D♭ | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: G♭/B♭ (1st inversion) and G♭/D♭ (2nd inversion).
Easier ways to play Gb
- Put a capo on the 2nd fret and play the open E shape: it sounds as G♭.
- In rock songs, the G♭5 power chord (G♭ and D♭ only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
Gb on piano and ukulele
-
G♭ on piano G♭ – B♭ – D♭ -
G♭ on ukulele 3121
Which keys use Gb?
G♭ is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| D♭ major | G♭ | IV | predominant |
| B major | F♯ | V | dominant |
| G♯ minor | F♯ | VII | dominant |
| B♭ minor | G♭ | VI | tonic or predominant |
| F♯ major | F♯ | I | tonic |
| D♯ minor | F♯ | III | tonic |
| B minor | F♯ | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with Gb
- I–IV–V–I in D♭ major: D♭ – G♭ – A♭ – D♭ The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in D♭ major: D♭ – A♭ – B♭m – G♭ The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in D♭ major: B♭m – G♭ – D♭ – A♭ The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in D♭ major: D♭ – B♭m – G♭ – A♭ The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in D♭ major: D♭ – G♭ – B♭m – A♭ The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.