Gm Ukulele Chord

Without chords, where would we be? Chords give the music we love structure and identity. They help us to understand music and write it in a way that is consistent, systematic, and has a sense of logic to it. Many of us know minor chords to be sad or dark sounding, and they are also widely used to give music a sense of contrast and tension when juxtaposed with major chords.

The G minor chord is just one of many that you’ll need to learn as a beginner to the ukulele. By mastering as many chords as you can, you’ll empower yourself to play the widest possible range of repertoire on the uke. So, why not add Gm to your growing list of ukulele chords? Our guide discusses the way the chord is constructed, some different ways to play the chord, and some songs that use the chord that you can play along to. 

Looking for more chords? Check out our guide >>> Easy Ukulele Chords for Beginners to Learn First

The Basics 

Like all minor chords, Gm is based on a minor triad. Minor triads consist of a root note, minor third, and perfect fifth. Contrast this with major triads, which have a major third instead of a minor third. The difference between a minor and major third is only a semitone, but this completely changes the way the chord sounds.

The chord of g minor is made up of the notes G, Bb, and D. Note that this isn’t the only way to play the Gm chord, though. Any given chord could have dozens of potential voicings, which are simply different ways to play a particular chord. Despite only having four strings, this is true of the ukulele, too. In the next section, we cover some of the different Gm voicings for the uke. 

How to Play the Gm Ukulele Chord

Gm ukulele chord

The standard Gm chord shape for the ukulele is fortunately not too complicated to learn or master, though it may look somewhat awkward at first. To play this chord, leave the G string open. Then, fret the C string at the second fret with your second finger, the E string at the third fret with your third finger, and the A string at the first fret with your first finger. 

Some beginners to the ukulele may struggle with this chord due to tensing up their fretting hand too much while playing. This usually happens because the chord shape feels awkward to play to begin with, which causes some people to overcompensate. 

If this is the case for you, we’d recommend that you try to remember to keep your hand as relaxed as possible. Practice the fingering for the chord often, so that muscle memory kicks in when you try to play the chord. This can also help you to feel more relaxed and play better. 

Gm Chord Variation #1 

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This variation on the standard Gm ukulele chord is a very common shape on the instrument, which is why the sooner you’re able to master it, the better. You’d be amazed by how many different chords you can play simply by moving this shape around the fretboard. 

To play this chord, fret the G string at the seventh fret with your third finger, the C string at the seventh fret with your fourth finger, the E string at the sixth fret with your second finger, and the A string at the fifth fret with your first finger. 

This particular chord shape may also prove difficult if you have too much tension in your fretting hand. So, again, try to keep your hand as relaxed as possible while still accurately playing the instrument. 

Gm Chord Variation #2

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We’ve chosen to include this variation on the Gm chord too. The combination of being played higher up the neck while retaining the open G string gives it an interesting quality. To play this chord, fret the C string at the seventh fret with your third finger, the E string at the sixth fret with your second finger, and the A string at the fifth fret with your first finger. Keep the G string open. 

More Gm Chord Variations

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Gm ukulele chord ver3

Songs that Use the Gm Ukulele Chord 

  • Chris Isaak – Wicked Game: With perhaps one of the most iconic melodies of all time, Wicked Game by Chris Isaak is a truly beguiling piece of music. Its alluring, haunting harmony is largely held together by the Gm chord.  
  • Black Sabbath – Solitude: In contrast to their headbanging metal hits, Black Sabbath’s Solitude is a wonderful showcase for the band’s mellower, subtler side. The Gm chord features heavily in this song, too. 
  • Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind: Etta James’ brutally honest song of betrayal and jealousy I’d Rather Go Blind proves an interesting juxtaposition to the largely saccharine music her peers in popular music were releasing at the time. The Gm chord is used to great effect in I’d Rather Go Blind, as well.