Gm9 Chord Guide

This page dives into the Gm9 minor-ninth chord for guitar - its voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it delivers that silky, soulful, modern-jazz and R&B depth. Gm9 (G • Bb • D • F • A) is Gm7 with the added ninth, creating one of the smoothest, most sophisticated minor extensions.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Gm9

Classic Open-ish (3x3303)

e|---3---| B|---0---| G|---3---| D|---3---| A|---x---| E|---3---|

Full & Lush (353335)

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

Jazz Standard Grip

e|---x---| B|--10---| G|--10---| D|---9---| A|---x---| E|--10---|

R&B Favorite (xx5335)

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

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Minor Family Modes

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

e|-------------------------------1-3-4-|
B|-------------------------1-3-4-------|
G|-------------------0-2-3-------------|
D|-------------0-2-3-------------------|
A|-------0-2-3-------------------------|
E|-3-5-6-------------------------------|

Bb Dorian: Bb C D E F G A Bb

e|------------------------1-3-5-6-|
B|------------------1-3-5---------|
G|------------0-2-3---------------|
D|------0-2-3---------------------|
A|--1-3---------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|

Pentatonics & Extensions

G Minor Pentatonic + 9th: G A Bb C D F (smooth & safe)

e|-------------------------3-5-6--|
B|---------------------3-6--------|
G|---------------2-3-5------------|
D|-----------3-5------------------|
A|-------3-5----------------------|
E|-3-5-6--------------------------|

Gm9 Arpeggio: G Bb D F A

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

Gm9 in Legendary Songs

The velvety, emotional depth of Gm9 is a staple in jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and fusion:

"The Girl from Ipanema" variations – Many jazz takes add the 9th for extra smoothness.
"Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones – Gm9 extensions in the sophisticated changes.
"Use Me" by Bill Withers – Funky Gm9 groove in the verses.
"Valerie" by Amy Winehouse (Mark Ronson version) – Soulful Gm9 flavor.
"No Diggity" by Blackstreet – Classic 90's R&B Gm9 vibes.
Modern neo-soul (D'Angelo, Erykah Badu) – Gm9 is everywhere for that creamy minor sound.