What is G Minor?
The G Minor guitar chord is formed by the notes G – Bb – D and is played using the fingering 355333. It’s a minor chord commonly used in Gm-Dm-Eb-Bb.
G Minor Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: 3th fret
5th (A) string: 5th fret
4th (D) string: 5th fret
3rd (G) string: 3th fret
2nd (B) string: 3th fret
1st (E) string: 3th fret
How to Play G Minor
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram 355333.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
G Minor Variations
Gm (Barre)
355333
Full barre chord - rich, full sound
Gm (Easy)
3x0333
Easier version muting the A string
Gm7
353333
Minor 7th for smoother voice leading
Gm6
355353
Minor 6th for sophisticated jazz color
Popular Songs Using G Minor
Famous Examples:
- • While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- • Summertime
- • Scarred
More Hits:
- • Black
- • Hurt
Common Chord Progressions with G Minor
Gm-Dm-Eb-Bb
Classic minor progression with resolution to relative major
Gm-F-Eb-Dm
Descending progression perfect for ballads
Gm-Cm-D-Gm
Circle progression in G minor
Practice Tips for G Minor
1. Barre Chord Mastery
This is a challenging barre chord. Use index finger across 3rd fret, keep thumb positioned behind neck.
2. Alternative Fingerings
Try the easier version first, muting the A string instead of barring.
3. Dark Emotional Character
G minor has a particularly dark, mysterious quality. Practice expressive techniques like vibrato.
4. Common in Classical
This chord is popular in classical music. Practice arpeggios to develop classical technique.
Common Substitutions for G Minor
Chord Family: F Major
G Minor functions as ii in the key of F Major.
Music Theory Behind G Minor
Notes in G Minor: G - Bb - D
Scale: G - A - Bb - C - D - Eb - F - G
Key Signature: 2 flats (Bb, Eb)
Relative Major: Bb major
G minor is considered one of the most emotional and dramatic minor keys. It's the relative minor of Bb major and has been favored by classical composers for its particularly dark and mysterious character.
Master G Minor Today!
G Minor is a stepping stone to advanced playing. Take your time and practice regularly!