G#m uses the notes G#, B, D#. This left-handed chord chart puts the shape in your playing orientation. Tune to Standard before trying these shapes; the string labels on each chart show the tuning used.
Three playable chord shapes
All three charts use Standard tuning. Compare the named shapes and their fret positions, then choose the one that fits your chord change. The shapes shown are alternatives, not a progression.
Tuning, lowest to highest: E – A – D – G – B – E. Chord names describe the notes that sound in this tuning.
Shape 1
E-minor shape · fret 4
Shape 2
A-minor shape · fret 11
Shape 3
D-minor shape · fret 6
What you are playing
Chord notes: G#, B, D#. Standard tablature stays unchanged, so you can use the same note order as any mainstream lesson or transcription.
The diagram labels use sharp note names. Equivalent names such as D# and Eb identify the same fret; a theory book may use the flat spelling for the same pitch.
Practise it for ten minutes
Form the shape without strumming, check each intended string, then release and rebuild it five times before practising slow four-beat changes.
- Shape Type: This shape behaves like a movable barre-style grip centered around fret 4, so focus on even pressure before trying to change chords quickly.
- String Check: Fret E (string 1) at fret 4, B (string 2) at fret 4, G (string 3) at fret 4, D (string 4) at fret 6, A (string 5) at fret 6 and E (string 6) at fret 4.
- Grip Control: Watch the non-dominant fretting hand for collapsing finger angles, especially when the b3 sits under a stretch.
- Next Scale: The quickest lead connection from this chord is G# Minor. Start there if you want the page to turn into a chord-to-scale practice loop.
G♯ minor contains G♯, B, D♯. Its formula is 1–♭3–5. These charts use standard tuning, with low E on the right and high e on the left. Highlighted markers identify the root note.
Two common barre shapes
E-shape, root at fret 4. Low E to high e: 4 6 6 4 4 4
A-shape, root at fret 11. Low E to high e: x 11 13 13 12 11
Check the E-shape barre chord
E: fret 4. A: fret 6. D: fret 6. G: fret 4. B: fret 4. e: fret 4. The fret readout runs from low E to high e. A zero means an open string and x means mute. The dots show note names, not finger numbers.
For a movable E shape, use your index finger across the lowest numbered fret, then place the remaining fingers. An A shape starts on the A string: leave low E silent. Use a comfortable fingering and check every intended string separately before strumming.
Hear the major–minor difference
Compare this chord with G♯ major. The root and fifth stay the same; the third moves by one fret. Pick the third in each shape and listen for that change before playing the complete chord.
Practise with a steady pulse
Play this chord for four slow beats, release the pressure briefly, then form it again. Next, alternate it with the same-root major chord. Keep both changes even. Try a short phrase from G♯ minor pentatonic, finishing on G♯.