G-sharp Minor Chord

How to play the G-sharp Minor Chord on the piano

Let’s go through some charts that will familiarize you with the G-sharp 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-sharp 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-sharp Minor Chord in root position
Note Order	G♯ B D♯
Left Hand Fingering	5 3 1
Right Hand Fingering	1 3 5
Chord Symbol	G♯m

The G-sharp 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-sharp Minor Chord in 1^st inversion
Note Order	B D♯ G♯
Left Hand Fingering	5 3 1
Right Hand Fingering	1 2 5
Chord Symbol	G♯m⁶ or G♯m/B

The G-sharp 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-sharp Minor Chord in 2^nd inversion
Note Order	D♯ G♯ B
Left Hand Fingering	5 2 1
Right Hand Fingering	1 3 5
Chord Symbol	G♯m^6/4 or G♯m/D♯

G-sharp 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 mediant (iii) in E major and the submediant (vi) in B major. In minor keys, it is the tonic (i) in G♯ minor and the dominant (v) in C♯ minor. On the keyboard this is the same chord as A♭ minor, and the spelling follows the key. The A♭ minor chord is the supertonic (ii) in G♭ major. In minor keys, it is the subdominant (iv) in E♭ minor.

In G♯ minor the everyday pattern is i – iv – V – i: G♯m – C♯m – D♯ – G♯m, 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.