All 4 ways to play Gm on guitar
-
310033 open position -
355333 at the 3rd fret -
xx5786 at the 5th fret -
x-10-12-12-11-10 at the 10th 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 Gm on guitar
Main shape: 310033 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the low E (6th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Let the D (4th) and G (3rd) strings ring open (marked O).
- Strum all 6 strings.
Gm notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | root |
| B♭ | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| D | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Gm/B♭ (1st inversion) and Gm/D (2nd inversion).
Gm on piano and ukulele
-
Gm piano chord G – B♭ – D -
Gm on ukulele 0231
Which keys use Gm?
Gm is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| F major | Gm | ii | predominant |
| D minor | Gm | iv | predominant |
| B♭ major | Gm | vi | tonic |
| G minor | Gm | i | tonic |
| E♭ major | Gm | iii | tonic or dominant |
| C minor | Gm | v | dominant |
Progressions with Gm
- I–V–vi–IV in B♭ major: B♭ – F – Gm – E♭ The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in B♭ major: Gm – E♭ – B♭ – F The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in B♭ major: B♭ – Gm – E♭ – F The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in B♭ major: B♭ – E♭ – Gm – F The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.
- I–iii–IV–iv in D major: D – F♯m – G – Gm Ends on the minor iv, borrowed from the minor key.