The Guitar Gm7 Chord, often written as G minor 7th, adds a layer of complexity and depth beyond the standard Gm chord. It evokes a distinctive emotional quality, often described as melancholic, jazzy, or even slightly unsettling, making it a powerful tool for songwriters and guitarists looking to add nuanced feelings to their music. If you’re aiming to expand your chord vocabulary and inject your playing with richer harmonies, understanding and mastering the Gm7 is essential.
Let’s dive into the notes that construct this evocative chord and explore different ways to play the Gm7 on your guitar.
Decoding the Gm7 Chord: Notes and Musicality
The Gm7 chord is built upon four fundamental notes, expanding on the basic G minor triad by adding a seventh interval. These notes, working together, create the characteristic sound of the Gm7:
G, Bb, D, and F
These notes are derived from the G minor scale and represent:
- G: The Root (1st)
- Bb: Minor Third (b3)
- D: Perfect Fifth (5th)
- F: Minor Seventh (b7)
The addition of the minor seventh (F) is what distinguishes the Gm7 from a simple Gm chord. This extra note introduces a smoother, more complex harmony that leans towards a jazzy or bluesy feel, contributing to the chord’s often described “uneasy” or “discontent” sound. It’s this subtle tension that makes the Gm7 so effective in creating emotional depth in music.
Two Essential Ways to Play the Gm7 Guitar Chord
While the Gm7 might not be as ubiquitous as some other minor chords, it’s a valuable chord to have in your arsenal. Here are two common and practical ways to finger the Gm7 on the guitar:
1. The “Em7 Barre Shape” Gm7 Chord
This Gm7 voicing is popular because it’s movable and based on a familiar barre chord shape. It’s often referred to as the “Em7 barre shape” because it’s derived from the open Em7 chord shape, moved up the neck and barred.
To play this Gm7:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret. Ensure all strings ring clearly.
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th string (A string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string (D string).
Strum all six strings from the low E string downwards.
Here’s a breakdown of the fingering:
- Index finger: 3rd fret of the 6th string (low E)
- Index finger: 3rd fret of the 5th string (A)
- Index finger: 3rd fret of the 4th string (D)
- Index finger: 3rd fret of the 3rd string (G)
- Index finger: 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B)
- Index finger: 3rd fret of the 1st string (high E)
- Ring finger: 5th fret of the 5th string (A)
- Pinky finger: 5th fret of the 4th string (D)
Strum: All six strings
Alt text: Gm7 guitar chord diagram using the Em7 barre shape at the 3rd fret, showing index finger barring all six strings and ring and pinky fingers on the A and D strings at the 5th fret.
2. The “Am7 Barre Shape” Gm7 Chord
This second voicing offers a slightly different tonal color and hand position. It’s based on the Am7 barre chord shape and provides a fuller sound, incorporating more note variety.
To play this Gm7:
- Barre your index finger across the strings from the 5th string (A string) to the 1st string (high E string) at the 10th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 11th fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the 4th string (D string).
Strum five strings down from the A string (avoiding the low E string).
Here’s the finger placement:
- Index finger: 10th fret of the 5th string (A)
- Index finger: 10th fret of the 4th string (D)
- Index finger: 10th fret of the 3rd string (G)
- Index finger: 10th fret of the 2nd string (B)
- Index finger: 10th fret of the 1st string (high E)
- Middle finger: 11th fret of the 2nd string (B)
- Ring finger: 12th fret of the 4th string (D)
Strum: Five strings from the A string down.
Alt text: Gm7 guitar chord diagram using the Am7 barre shape at the 10th fret, showing index finger barring five strings from A to high E, middle finger on the B string at 11th fret, and ring finger on the D string at 12th fret.
Songs That Feature the Gm7 Chord
While not as common as some other chords, the Gm7 adds a unique flavor when used effectively. You can find it adding its distinctive touch in various genres, often contributing to a soulful or sophisticated sound.
Listen for the Gm7 in these classic tracks:
- “Reach Out I’ll Be There” by The Four Tops: This Motown hit masterfully blends driving rhythm with spirited horns, and the Gm7 chord seamlessly integrates into its rich instrumentation, showcasing how it can work within a dynamic and uplifting context despite its minor key.
- “I Love Music” by The O’Jays: This funk anthem demonstrates the brighter side of the Gm7. Despite being a minor chord with a seventh, in this uptempo groove, the Gm7 contributes to the song’s funky and energetic feel, proving its versatility beyond just melancholic moods.
Experiment with listening for the Gm7 in your favorite songs and try to identify the emotional impact it creates. You can also explore substituting a Gm chord with a Gm7 in your own chord progressions to discover how it alters the harmonic landscape and adds depth to your songwriting.
To further expand your chord knowledge, explore a comprehensive guitar chord library and consider utilizing resources like Fender Play for structured lessons and a deeper dive into guitar playing.
By learning the Gm7 chord, you’re not just adding another chord to your repertoire; you’re unlocking a tool for expressing a wider range of emotions and adding harmonic sophistication to your guitar playing.
