The best way to practice guitar is not limited to finger exercises or learning notes. In fact, you must continue with the practice as long as you are a guitarist. But do you know that rehearsing chords can also be an excellent way of practicing guitar and getting better at it?
Practicing some beginner chords aid progress, but leveling up your skill with effortful chords like C minor, G7 or A minor refines your artistry.
What if I introduce you to a chord that is a combination of complexity and musicality? Yes, there is one such chord – G minor. Let’s learn how to play G minor on guitar.
Which Scale is Used to Play G Minor on Guitar?
The answer is in the heading itself. The G Minor scale is used to play the Gm chord. The Gm scale starts with the root note followed by a series of notes – G A Bb C D Eb F G.
The Gm scale consists of 2 flats, which is the cause of this chord being a minor. Talking about the G minor chord, it is a combination of G – Bb – D.
Let me break the myth! Sad is not a synonym for minor chords. Minor chords or songs in minors are created with a different thought process. The motive need not always be to express sadness.
Minor scales, minor chords, and songs in minors convey mixed vibes. They might make you feel sorrowful or restless in the first half, but you might experience calming vibes later. All I would say is, you never know buddy!
How to Play G Minor on Guitar
Among the other minor chords, the Gm chord is one of the infrequently used chords. However, the chord has its unique tone which conveys strong darker emotions.
Beginner guitar players might struggle to play this chord. I’m not going to lie, but yes, it is a bit complex chord to play. But as we all know, practice makes progress. So, you can play this chord with practice in no time.
The Standard G Minor Chord
This is the standard yet popular method of playing the Gm chord on guitar. It’s a barre chord version, so you must develop the dexterity to play with the standard method.
- On the 3rd fret, clamp across all 6 strings with your fingers.
- Now, place your 3rd finger (Ring finger) on the fifth fret’s fifth string (A string).
- On the same fret, place your 4th finger (Pinky finger) on the fourth string (D string).
Why do you worry about barre chords when you are about to know how to use guitar capo?
For playing the Gm barre chord with the capo, you have to clamp the capo on the 3rd fret across the strings instead of fingers. Further, place the ring and pinky finger as shown in the above picture.
Though you have an option of capo, I would recommend using it occasionally rather than getting used to it.
I understand that not everyone can immediately grasp this skill. For that reason, handy variations are available to play the same chord.
Wondering how to play guitar using a capo?
Learn how to use a capo: A Beginner’s Guide to find out.
Variations to Play G Minor on Guitar
Let’s learn how to play G minor on guitar with simplified versions.
Variation 1
This is a beginner’s way of playing the Gm chord using the guitar. All you have to do is:
- On the 3rd fret, put your 2nd finger (Middle) on the 3rd string (G string).
- 3rd finger (Ring) on the 2nd string (B string).
- Finally, 4th finger (Pinky) on the first string (High E string).
Make sure you are playing only the first 3 strings – G, B, and E.
Variation 2
This is a little tricky but less complex way to play the Gm chord.
- Starting on the third fret, put your 2nd finger (middle) on the sixth string (Low E string).
- Continuing with the same fret, place your 3rd finger (Ring) on the 2nd string (B string).
- Finally, put your 4th finger (Pinky) on the first string (High E string).
Variation 3
This version sounds slightly different from the standard Gm chord, but can be used as an alternative.
- On the 3rd fret, place your 1st finger (Index) on the sixth string (Low E string).
- Now, put your 2nd finger (Middle) on the second string (B string).
So yes. Here we are with the variations of the G minor chord. I know these are not easy peasy variations but a bit accessible than the barre chord version. Again, some of you might be capable of playing the chord instantly with these variations.
On the other hand, some will have to struggle to learn them. But with practice, you can take hold of it.
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Alternatives of Gm chord
Substitute chords of Gm take the flavor and emotions to the next level.
- The Gm7 chord is one of the widely used substitutes for the Gm chord.
- Gm6, Gm9, and Gm11 are other alternatives for the Gm chord.
Inversions of G Minor chord
When you play the same set of notes of triads by rearranging them, these are called inversions. With inversions, you create another melodic tone without changing the original formula.
Here are inversions of the Gm chord:
- Root position: 1 3 5 = G Bb D
- Inversion 1: 3 5 1 = Bb D G
- Inversion 2: 5 1 3 = D Bb G
Popular Songs in G Minor Chord
The Gm chord influences popular power chord song genres like country music, rock, pop, and blues. Some famous songs in these genres have beautifully used this chord.
- Garth Brook’s Wild horses is a mind-blowing country song that has given justice to the Gm chord.
- A funky rock song From me to you has played around the Gm chord, including the Gm7.
- Atlanta Rhythm’s Spooky is a fantastic blend of blues and pop where you experience versatile use of Gm.
FAQs
What pitches are in G minor chord?
The G minor chord is based on the G minor scale, consisting of the following pitches – G A Bb C D Eb F.
How much time does it take to learn the G minor barre chord?
You will learn the G minor barre chord if you allot at least 20 minutes daily for focused practice. However, it will take a few weeks and months to master it. So, make sure you consistently stay in touch.
Conclusion
Though playing the Gm chord is tough, you can try your hands on it. Furthermore, maintaining the proper posture is vital.
As far as you are learning bar chords at an early stage, extreme pressure on strings can make your guitar go out of tune. Ensure you are holding the strings with optimum pressure so that you get a clear sound without any buzz.
I hope you enjoyed the learning. If you wish to learn guitar, I recommend getting trained under professional guidance rather than learning the guitar at home.
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