Arguably the most popular guitar chord, the Gm chord guitar is one you’ll be glad you learned early on as your playing skills improve. Popular with beginning guitarists because it contains two notes that can be played on open strings, you’ll love it should you like jazz music. To make sure you can play your favorite songs, here’s what you need to know about the Gm chord guitar.
What Does GM Mean in Music?
When you see GM in music, this refers to G Minor. Known as a minor chord that can create a rich, dark sound on the guitar, it is produced when you play various aspects of the G Major scale, such as the root note (first), flat third, and fifth notes of the scale.
How Do You Play Gm Chord on Guitar?
If you want to be known as the guitar player whose style symbolizes all that is cool about being a guitarist, the Gm chord guitar will let you accomplish this and much more. When you want to play the standard Gm chord, you’ll barre your first finger across all six strings on the third fret. Next, you’ll place your third finger on the fifth string of the fifth fret (D), and your fourth finger on the fourth string of the fifth fret (G).
Since this is pretty tough for beginners, there are other simpler versions. One of the most popular is to barre your first finger across the three highest strings on the third fret, then place your third finger on the fourth string at the fifth fret. By doing this, you’ll need much less finger strength and flexibility, both of which are usually in short supply for most beginning guitarists.
What are the Notes in G minor Chord?
The notes contained in the G minor chord are G, Bb, and D. Like other minor chords you’ll use when playing your guitar, it has the intervals minor third, Major third, Perfect fourth, meaning back to the root note. The relative minor of Bb Major, the Gm chord guitar is often thought to be the guitar chord that offers the most variations, which is one reason why it can fit in so well with so many different musical genres.
How Do You Play GM on Guitar Easy?
If you want to play Gm chord guitar as easily as possible, there are variations that allow you to do just this. While you’ll need to barre, you can do so in this example by using your first finger to cover strings one, two, and three at your guitar’s third fret. Your third finger will then go on the fourth string at the fifth fret, with your fourth finger on the first string at the sixth fret. When you’re ready to play, mute strings five and six.
If you’re tired of trying to barre strings, you can instead try some open versions of the Gm guitar chord. One of the best starts with you putting your first finger on the fifth string at the first fret, your second finger on the sixth string at the third fret, finger three on the second string of the third fret, and your fourth finger on the first string at the third fret. Easier than barring strings, this will also give your fingers a good workout that will increase their flexibility and strength.
What Chord Can I Play Instead of GM?
Like almost anything else when playing your guitar, you can play other chords instead of Gm that will still do the song justice.
For example, if you want to have the effects of barre without having to stretch your finger more so than you ever thought humanly possible, use a capo on your guitar. When you put a capo on your guitar’s third fret and play an Em chord, it will sound virtually the same as a Gm chord.
As to how this can occur, it all has to do with the capo raising the key of your guitar, which allows you to play easier chords and get similar sounds of much more difficult chords. Thus, you can end up with many great Gm guitar chord variations you never dreamed existed.
Is GBM the Same as FM?
Actually, this question is easier to answer than some others you’ve encountered along the way. Yes, GBM and FM are the same chords. However, while F# minor and Gb minor are the same chord, their names get changed depending upon which key they are being played in for a particular song.
Gm Chord Guitar Variations
If you are feeling confident about your ability to barre, you can try this great variation of the Gm chord guitar. To begin, take your first finger and barre the strings at the 10th fret. Once done, place your second finger on the second string at the 11th fret. Next, move to your guitar’s 12th fret, where your third finger will go on the fourth string and your fourth one on the third string. When you’re ready, mute the sixth string and give it a try.
Songs with Gm Guitar Chord
When songs feature the Gm chord guitar, this usually means they are conveying numerous emotions from start to finish. If you’re curious as to which popular songs emphasize the Gm guitar chord, it runs the gamut from classic rock and pop to country and much more.
Beginning with pop songs, “Had Ten Dollaz” by Cherry Glazerr gives a sense of angst that is unmatched. As for rock songs, “From Me to You” by the Beatles and “California Girls” by The Beach Boys both give great harmonies that you should try to duplicate.
Last but not least, “Wild Horses” by Garth Brooks and “Spooky” by Atlanta Rhythm Section also show the versatility the Gm guitar chord offers its players.
Once you learn the many variations of the Gm guitar chord and how they can add emotion and prowess to your songs, you’ll be the envy of guitarists everywhere.
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