How To Play The Guitar Chords G Sharp Minor

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.

Table of Contents

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

easy way to play g sharp minor on guitar

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.

How To Play The Guitar Chords G Sharp Minor

G Sharp Minor Theory