The G# minor chord can also be interpreted as Ab minor, depending on the point of view we’d like to see it. This chord’s standard shape is a barre chord, which could be challenging for beginner guitarists, but it also has an easier open shape that you can try!
Even if it’s easier to play the open version of this chord, the player will get the best sound by playing its barre chord shape. Today, we’ll show you the easiest to the most challenging shapes that the G# minor chord has in store for us!
Before that, let’s talk about some music theory. G#m’s relative chords belong to the key of G#m, such as A# diminished, B+, C#m, D#, E, and Ax diminished. If you’d like to compose using the G# minor chord, we suggest using those chords. In case those chords aren’t enough for you, you could try using other chords from the keys of C# minor, D# minor, B major, and E major.
Since barre chords are usually a bit challenging to play, we’ll show you different shapes that you can try while you’re still learning how to play G#m’s standard shape. Without further ado, let’s check some of these shapes!
Easy G# Minor Chord Shape
This version of the G# minor chord is the easiest shape you can try to start learning to play the rest of the chord shapes. You can do it in two ways: you can either play the three first strings with your index, middle, and ring finger, or you can bar all those strings! Follow the next shapes to learn how to play it both ways:
Both of these chord shapes have the same sound. The only thing that changes is the fingers that you use, and by using the second shape, you’ll be training your finger for barre chords.
G# Minor Triad Chord Shapes
Knowing how to play the chord triads that G# minor has in store for us will allow us to play this chord in simpler ways than the natural form. Not only that, but every triad has a unique ring, even if they’re playing the same notes.
Adding these chords to your repertoire will help you now and even later! Follow the next images to learn how to play the different G# minor triads:
Standard G# Minor Chord Shape
The standard chord shape of G#m is a barre chord, which isn’t unusual. Many other chords are similarly played as a barre chord.
We recommend you practice the previous chord shapes on this page since barre chords can be a little bit tricky for beginners. Don’t get discouraged! Even though they’re challenging, beginner guitar players could be able to play them with some practice!
Follow these tips to get your hand used to playing barre chords:
- Press with the side of your index finger the whole set of strings on the first frets. For now, just use that finger until you produce a good sound out of all the strings.
- As soon as you can play all the notes with your index finger pressing them, you can proceed to place the other fingers where they belong to play the chord.
- Practice the chord as much as you can. You can do that by pressing and releasing the strings while following the shape.
Follow the next image to learn how to play the standard G#m major chord:
G# Minor Barre Chord Shape
There’s another way in which you could play G#m as a barre chord. This version has a much higher pitch and can be a little more challenging than the standard version. Follow the next image to learn how to play this G#m barre chord shape:
