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)

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

Easy High (xx5333)

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

Higher Up (xx0786x)

e|---6---| B|---8---| G|---7---| D|---0---| A|---x---| E|---x---|

Low Barre (355333 - full)

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

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.