Questions and answers
No questions on this lesson yet. Be the first to ask one.
Lesson Steps
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
G Minor Chord
The G Minor Chord is G, B-flat, and D: white, black, white. The middle finger moves into the black keys, and that one change gives the chord its darker, more serious color. Let's let the hand shift slightly forward so the middle finger doesn't have to reach on its own.
How to play the G Minor Chord on the piano
Let’s go through some charts that will familiarize you with the G Minor Chord and how to play it in the various forms you will encounter in pieces of music. First, we’ll look at the fundamental chord and its inversions; then, we’ll explore some more complex voicings.
The G Minor Chord in root position
In root position, the notes of the G minor chord are stacked in thirds with G on the bottom. The appearance on the staff is evenly spaced, as is the feeling of the space in between your fingers while playing.
| G Minor Chord in root position | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | G B♭ D |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | Gm |
The G Minor Chord in first inversion
In first inversion, the third of the chord (B♭) becomes the bottom note, and the root (G) jumps up to the top.
| G Minor Chord in 1st inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | B♭ D G |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 2 5 |
| Chord Symbol | Gm6 or Gm/B♭ |
The G Minor Chord in second inversion
In second inversion, the fifth of the chord (D) is on the bottom, and the third of the chord (B♭) goes to the top.
| G Minor Chord in 2nd inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | D G B♭ |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 2 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | Gm6/4 or Gm/D |
G Minor Chord theory and function
A minor chord has the lowered third, which gives it a quieter, darker color. In a major key the minor chords play supporting roles. In a minor key the minor tonic chord is home.
The G minor chord is the supertonic (ii) in F major, the mediant (iii) in E♭ major, and the submediant (vi) in B♭ major. In minor keys, it is the tonic (i) in G minor, the subdominant (iv) in D minor, and the dominant (v) in C minor.
The place a student meets a minor chord most often is ii, leading to V and then home. In F major that is Gm – C – F. In G minor the everyday pattern is i – iv – V – i: Gm – Cm – D – Gm, where the major V comes from the raised seventh. A minor chord is also the relative minor of the major chord a minor third above it, so a piece can move between the two and change color without leaving the key.
Other chords built on G
Lesson Steps
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents