Piano chord
GmG minor
- G1
- B♭♭3
- D5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 7semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play Gm on piano
- Find G: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on G, 3 on B♭, 5 on D.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on G, 3 on B♭, 1 on D.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · G – B♭ – D
1st inversion · B♭ – D – G
2nd inversion · D – G – B♭
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
Gm inversions
Gm can be played in 3 positions. In root position G is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: GRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: B♭Right hand 1-2-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: DRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-2-1
Chords that go with Gm
The other chords of G minor, the key where Gm is home (i). Songs in this key move between them.
Gm with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays G an octave lower, the right hand plays G–B♭–D.
Gm on other instruments
About the Gm chord
G minor has 3 notes: G (1), B♭ (♭3), D (5). A minor triad: the third is lowered by a semitone, which gives it the darker, softer sound. Move the middle key one key down from the major chord and you have it.
On the keyboard, start from G and add the other notes above it: G – B♭ – D. From the lowest to the highest key that is 7 semitones. That is less than an octave, so Gm sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of Gm puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is B♭ (B♭–D–G). In the 2nd inversion the bass is D (D–G–B♭).
Gm is Gm7 without F.
Keys that contain Gm: F major (ii), B flat major (vi), E flat major (iii), D minor (iv), G minor (i).
Questions
What notes are in the Gm chord?
Gm (G minor) has 3 notes: G (1), B♭ (♭3), D (5).
How many inversions does Gm have?
Gm can be played in 3 positions: Root position (G–B♭–D); 1st inversion (B♭–D–G); 2nd inversion (D–G–B♭).
What is the difference between Gm and Gm7?
Gm is Gm7 without F.
Can I play Gm with one hand?
Yes. In root position Gm spans 7 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.