The guitar chords G sharp minor is a minor triad made from the notes G# B D#. Although it is commonly abbreviated as G#m, you might see it notated in lead sheet symbols as G#min, G#m, or G#-. G# minor is also the tonic of the key G# minor, which has 5 sharps. It is rare that this key is used, but you might also see that chord in the keys of F# Maj, E maj, or B Major.
If this is a lot of information to take in all at once, don’t worry! We explain all these concepts and more below. Most importantly, we list the many different ways to play G# minor all over your fretboard so you can decide which voicing best fits into your unique sound.
G Sharp Minor Theory
When learning chords, it is important to understand some basic chord theory, let’s get started!
A triad is made of the root, 3rd, and 5th of a scale.
More specifically, a minor triad is made from the root, minor 3rd and perfect 5th of a scale.
G# to B is a minor 3rd (m3), while G# to D# make a perfect fifth (P5).
G#-> B = m3
G# -> D = P5
m3 + P5= minor triad
Jazz music often uses lead sheet symbols to notate chords. You might see G# Minor notated in the following ways: G#m, G#min, G#-
How To Play G Sharp Minor
Method 1
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string.
- Place your middle finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string.
G Sharp Minor Barre Chord
Method 2
- Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 6th string.
- Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
Method 3
- Place your index finger on the 11th fret of the 5th string and barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 12th fret of the 2nd string.
- Place your ring finger on the 13th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your pinky on the 13th fret of the 3rd string.
Alternate ways to play g sharp minor
Method 4
- Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string and barre.
Method 5
- Place your index finger on the 11th fret of the 1st string.
- Place your middle finger on the 12th fret of the 2nd string.Place your ring finger on the 13th fret of the 3rd string.
Method 6
- Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string and barre.
- Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
Frequently asked Questions
What Chords Are In The Key Of G# Minor?
The diatonic chords of the minor key are:
i ii° III iv V VI vii°
When we follow this formula, the following chords are available in G# Minor:
i: G# Min or G# Min 7
ii°: A# ° or A# min7 (b5)
III: B Maj, or B Maj 7
iv: C# min or C# min 7
V: D# Maj or D#7
VI: E Maj or E Maj7
vii°:Fx° or Fx min7 (b5)
What Is The Easy G# Minor Chord?
The easiest way to play G# min is to bar the top 3 strings on the 4th fret. Easy as pie!
What Key Is The Same As G# Minor?
G# minor and Ab Minor min are enharmonic equivalents. Ab minor is used more often than G# minor, because G# minor has Fx (F double sharp). Ab minor has 7 flats, whereas G# minor has 5 sharps.
Conclusion
G# minor is a simple chord to play, the key of G# minor however, is so difficult that it is rarely used! G# minor is made from the notes G# B and D#. You are likely to come across it when playing the keys F# Major, E Major, and even B Major. Minor triads are built from a root, minor 3rd and perfect 5th. G# minor is enharmonically the same as Ab minor.
