Gbm on piano: root position and inversions
-
Root position G♭ – B𝄫 – D♭ -
1st inversion B𝄫 – D♭ – G♭ -
2nd inversion D♭ – G♭ – B𝄫
How to play Gbm on piano
- G♭ is the black key between F and G. That is the root.
- Add B𝄫 (minor 3rd above) and D♭ (perfect 5th above): press G♭, B𝄫 and D♭ together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on G♭, middle finger (3) on B𝄫, little finger (5) on D♭. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
Gbm notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| G♭ | 1 | root |
| B𝄫 (= A) | ♭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).
Gbm on guitar and ukulele
-
G♭m on guitar 244222 -
G♭m on ukulele 2120
Which keys use Gbm?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D major | F♯m | iii | tonic or dominant |
| B minor | F♯m | v | dominant |
| A major | F♯m | vi | tonic |
| F♯ minor | F♯m | i | tonic |
| E major | F♯m | ii | predominant |
| C♯ minor | F♯m | iv | predominant |
Progressions with Gbm
- I–V–vi–IV in A major: A – E – F♯m – D The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in A major: F♯m – D – A – E The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in A major: A – F♯m – D – E The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in A major: A – D – F♯m – E 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.