G Minor Chord Guide

This page dives into the G minor chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it adds that dark, emotional depth in iconic songs. G minor (G • Bb • D) brings moody, melancholic energy perfect for rock, metal, blues, and classical influences.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play G minor

Classic Barre (355333)

Easy High (xx5333)

Higher Up (xx0786x)

Low Barre (355333 - full)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

G minor has the minor third (Bb), so dark minor-family scales dominate. Here are essentials with easy open-position ascending tabs.

Minor Family Modes

• G Aeolian (Natural Minor): G A Bb C D Eb F G
  

  
  e|---------------------------1-3-|
  B|---------------------1-3-4-----|
  G|---------------0-2-3-----------|
  D|---------0-1-3-----------------|
  A|---0-1-3-----------------------|
  E|-3-----------------------------|

• C Dorian: C D Eb F G A Bb C (brighter minor feel)
  

  
  e|---------------------1-3-5-7-8-|
  B|---------------1-3-4-----------|
  G|---------0-2-3-----------------|
  D|---0-1-3-----------------------|
  A|-3-----------------------------|
  E|-------------------------------|

• D Phrygian: D Eb F G Ab Bb C D (dark, exotic)
  

  
  e|-----------------------------8-10-|
  B|----------------------8-9-11------|
  G|-------------5-7-8-10-------------|
  D|-------5-6-8----------------------|
  A|-5-6-8----------------------------|
  E|----------------------------------|

Blues & Pentatonics

• G Minor Pentatonic: G Bb C D F (the blues/rock staple)
  

  
  e|---------------------3-6-|
  B|-----------------3-6-----|
  G|-------------3-5---------|
  D|---------3-5-------------|
  A|-----3-5-----------------|
  E|-3-6---------------------|

• G Minor Blues: G Bb C Db D F
  

  
  e|-------------------------3-5-6-|
  B|---------------------3-6-------|
  G|---------------3-5-6-----------|
  D|-----------3-5-----------------|
  A|-----3-4-5---------------------|
  E|-3-6---------------------------|

G Minor in Legendary Songs

The brooding power of G minor fuels emotion in rock, metal, and beyond:

• "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica – Iconic Gm in the haunting intro and verses.
• "Hotel California" by Eagles – Gm adds darkness in the verse progression.
• "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin – Gm in the heavy climax section.
• "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead – Moody Gm shifts in the complex structure.
• "Black Magic Woman" by Santana – Classic Gm groove in the Latin-rock riff.
• "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles – Gm adds melancholy depth.