i-♭VI-♭VII-i (Andalusian Rock)
i · ♭VI · ♭VII · i
Aeolian rock pattern; metal anthem flavor.
Key of G Minor
The Key of G Minor
The chords in the key of G minor are Gm, Adim, B♭, Cm, Dm, E♭ and F.
Dark but singable.
Below: all seven diatonic chords with guitar shapes and audio, the scale, the key signature (B♭ · E♭), 5 progressions already transposed into this key, and the keys next door.
Diatonic chords
The 7 chords in the key of G minor
Each degree of the G minor scale carries one chord. Roman numerals show the degree; the function column tells you what the chord does. Every name links to its full chord page — press play to hear it on guitar.
| Degree | Function | Chord | Guitar shape | Hear it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i | TonicTonicHome — rests | GmG · B♭ · D | ||
| ii° | SubdominantSupertonicDeparts — sets up the V | AdimA · C · E♭ | ||
| III | TonicMediantHome — rests | B♭B♭ · D · F | ||
| iv | SubdominantSubdominantDeparts — sets up the V | CmC · E♭ · G | ||
| v | DominantDominantPulls back to I | DmD · F · A | ||
| VI | TonicSubmediantHome — rests | E♭E♭ · G · B♭ | ||
| VII | DominantSubtonicPulls back to I | FF · A · C |
Want the same chords on another instrument? Every chord page carries piano, ukulele, bass, mandolin and banjo shapes — start with piano.
Character
Why songs live in G minor
G minor is the key of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 and of a great deal of cinematic and metal writing. Two flats keep it close to the friendly end of the circle, and the open G and D strings support the tonic on guitar, so it stays playable while sounding considerably heavier than A minor.
Scale
The G minor scale
Seven notes, in order from the tonic. Tap any note to hear it, or play the whole scale ascending.
Fretboard patterns and full scale reference: G Natural Minor (Aeolian).
Key signature
The G minor key signature
B♭ · E♭
G minor is written with 2 flats. Every B and E in the music is played flat unless an accidental says otherwise. Its relative major, B♭ major, shares this signature exactly.
Progressions
Chord progressions in G minor
The most-used progressions, already transposed into G minor. Every chord links to its own page; the progression name opens the full breakdown.
ii°-V-i (Minor ii-V-i)
iiø · V · i
The minor-key version of ii-V-I.
i-♭VII-♭VI-V (Andalusian)
i · ♭VII · ♭VI · V
Flamenco / Phrygian descent; minor with major V.
i-iv-V (Minor Three Chord)
i · iv · V
Minor three-chord with major V.
i-♭VI-♭VII (Aeolian Loop)
i · ♭VI · ♭VII
Aeolian rock loop.
FAQ
Questions about the key of G minor
- What chords are in the key of G minor?
- The key of G minor contains seven diatonic chords: Gm (i), Adim (ii°), Bb (III), Cm (iv), Dm (v), Eb (VI), F (VII). Most songs in G minor lean on Gm, Cm and Dm — the tonic, subdominant and dominant.
- What is the relative major of G minor?
- Bb major is the relative major of G minor. Both keys share the same key signature (2 flats) and exactly the same seven notes — Bb major simply treats Bb as home instead of G, which is why you can borrow chords freely between them.
- What are the easiest chords in G minor to play on guitar?
- Dm is the one open shape in G minor — no barre required. The rest of the diatonic chords need a barre or a movable grip, so many players capo instead and use familiar open shapes from an easier key.
Learn the theory
Read up on G minor
This page is the reference. These are the guides that explain how a key works in the first place — read one and the table above stops needing to be looked up.