G Minor: Scale, Chords and Progressions

Chords in the key of G minor

The key of G minor has 2 flats in the key signature (B♭, E♭). Its scale is G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F and its seven chords are Gm, Adim, B♭, Cm, Dm, E♭ and F. The most common progression is Gm – E♭ – B♭ – F. Its relative key is B flat major. With a capo on fret 3, you can play it with the shapes of E minor.

The chords in the key

Gm is home and Cm darkens it. The natural fifth chord, Dm, resolves softly; swap it for D7 and it pulls hard towards Gm. The four-note versions add the seventh.

Degree	Chord	Notes	Role	With seventh
i	Gm	G – B♭ – D	Tonic: home	Gm7
ii°	Adim	A – C – E♭	Subdominant	—
III	B♭	B♭ – D – F	Relative major	B♭maj7
iv	Cm	C – E♭ – G	Subdominant	Cm7
v	Dm	D – F – A	Minor dominant	Dm7
VI	E♭	E♭ – G – B♭	Subdominant (epic colour)	E♭maj7
VII	F	F – A – C	Subtonic	F7

Scale

G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F

With a capo

To make a song sound in G minor with easy open shapes:

Capo on fret 3: play the shapes of E minor
Capo on fret 5: play the shapes of D minor

Common progressions

Loop them in the chord player and use them as the base of a song.

Gm – E♭ – B♭ – F i – bVI – bIII – bVII Play in the chord player
Gm – Cm – Dm – Gm i – iv – v – i Play in the chord player
Gm – F – E♭ – D i – bVII – bVI – V Play in the chord player
Gm – Cm – D7 – Gm i – iv – V7 – i Play in the chord player

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the key of G minor?

Its seven chords are Gm, Adim, B♭, Cm, Dm, E♭ and F.

How many sharps or flats does G minor have?

It has 2 flats in the key signature (B♭, E♭).

What is the relative key of G minor?

Its relative key is B flat major: they share the same notes and chords.