All 4 ways to play G#m on guitar
-
466444 at the 4th fret -
42140x open position -
xx6897 at the 6th fret -
x-11-13-13-12-11 at the 11th 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 G#m on guitar
Main shape: 466444 (at the 4th fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the low E (6th) to the high E (1st) string at the 4th fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 6th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 6th fret of the D (4th) string.
- Strum all 6 strings.
G#m 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: G♯m/B (1st inversion) and G♯m/D♯ (2nd inversion).
Easier ways to play G#m
- Put a capo on the 4th fret and play the open Em shape: it sounds as G♯m.
- 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.
G#m on piano and ukulele
-
G♯m on piano G♯ – B – D♯ -
G♯m on ukulele 1342
Which keys use G#m?
G♯m is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| E major | G♯m | iii | tonic or dominant |
| C♯ minor | G♯m | v | dominant |
| B major | G♯m | vi | tonic |
| G♯ minor | G♯m | i | tonic |
| F♯ major | G♯m | ii | predominant |
| D♯ minor | G♯m | iv | predominant |
Progressions with G#m
- I–V–vi–IV in B major: B – F♯ – G♯m – E The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in B major: G♯m – E – B – F♯ The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in B major: B – G♯m – E – F♯ The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in B major: B – E – G♯m – F♯ The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.
- I–iii–IV–iv in E♭ major: E♭ – Gm – A♭ – A♭m Ends on the minor iv, borrowed from the minor key.