G# Minor (G#m)

Also written as Ab Minor (Ab and G# are the same key).

1+b3+5
BG#D#
4 4
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Notes in G# Minor

G# (root)BD#

Inversions

Same notes as G# Minor, with a different chord tone as the lowest note. Useful for smoother movement between chords instead of jumping around the keyboard.

Root position

G# in the bass

BG#D#

1st inversion

B in the bass

BD#G#

2nd inversion

D# in the bass

BD#G#

G# Minor consists of G#, B and D#, played at the same time.

Shrink the major third by a semitone and the same stable shape turns melancholy. A minor triad still resolves, it just carries a heavier, more introspective mood than its major counterpart. Sad songs lean on it constantly, but so do tense film cues and moody grooves, so treat the label as a starting point rather than the whole story.

Difficulty: Beginner. Category: Triads. Click any key on the diagram above to hear that single note.