Gm on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position G – B♭ – D -
1st inversion B♭ – D – G -
2nd inversion D – G – B♭
How to play Gm on piano
- G is the first white key inside a group of three black keys. 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.
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 guitar and ukulele
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Gm guitar chord 310033 -
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.