Gm7 Chord

This page dives into the Gm7 minor seventh chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it adds that smooth, jazzy melancholy in iconic songs. Gm7 (G • Bb • D • F) brings a mellow, soulful tension perfect for minor grooves and ii-V-i progressions.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Gm7

Classic Barre (353333)

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

Open Partial (3x333x)

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

Easy High (xx5333)

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

Jazzy Rootless (xx3333)

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

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Gm7 is a minor-family chord, so Dorian and Aeolian modes feel right at home. Here are essentials with easy open-position ascending tabs.

Major Family Modes

C Dorian: C D Eb F G A Bb C (the classic minor seventh sound)

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

Minor Family Modes

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

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

D Phrygian: D Eb F G A Bb C D

e|-------------------------------------------10-|
B|-------------------------------------11-13----|
G|----------------------------10-12-14----------|
D|-------------------11-12-13-------------------|
A|----------10-12-13----------------------------|
E|-10-11-13-------------------------------------|

Blues & Pentatonics

G Minor Pentatonic: G Bb C D F (go-to for blues/rock over Gm7)

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 G

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

G Dorian Pentatonic (adds the major 6th): G A Bb D E

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

Gm7 in Legendary Songs

The mellow, jazzy vibe of Gm7 appears in funk, soul, jazz, and rock:

"Breezeblocks" by alt-J – Gm7 drives the moody verse progression.
"The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac – Gm7 adds tension in the build-up.
"Oye Como Va" by Santana – Classic Latin rock with Gm7 in the groove.
"Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)" by Santana – Beautiful Gm7 arpeggios in the intro.
"Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton – Heartfelt use of Gm7 in the acoustic ballad.
"Still Got the Blues" by Gary Moore – Bluesy Gm7 in the emotional solos.