Chords in the key of G sharp minor
The key of G sharp minor (natural minor) has the notes G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯, E, and F♯ and the chords G♯m, A♯°, B, C♯m, D♯m, E, and F♯. In practice the V and vii° come from the harmonic minor scale, with the leading tone F𝄪: D♯ (D♯7) and F𝄪°. Key signature: 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯). Relative major: B major.
- G♯
- A♯
- B
- C♯
- D♯
- E
- F♯
Natural minor
The scale of the key signature. Fine for melodies, but the v is minor (D♯m) and barely pulls back to the tonic.
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | G♯m | G♯m7 | tonic |
| ii° | A♯° | A♯m7(♭5) | subdominant |
| III | B | B7M | tonic |
| iv | C♯m | C♯m7 | subdominant |
| v | D♯m | D♯m7 | dominant |
| VI | E | E7M | subdominant |
| VII | F♯ | F♯7 | dominant |
Each chord in the table opens its guitar page, with the diagram and the sound.
Harmonic minor (the V7 and vii°)
The 7th note is raised a half step (F𝄪): the V becomes major (D♯, or D♯7 with the seventh) and the vii becomes diminished (F𝄪°). These are the chords minor-key songs use to get back to the tonic.
Melodic minor
The 6th and 7th are raised a half step: the ii becomes minor (A♯m) and the IV becomes major (C♯). Common in jazz and in rising melodies.
The chords of G sharp minor on the piano
What each chord does
Tonic (G♯m and B) feels at rest; subdominant (A♯°, C♯m, and E) moves away from home; dominant (D♯ and F𝄪°) builds tension and wants to go back to G♯m.
Common progressions in G sharp minor
Listen to each one and open it in the backing track to play along.
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Andalusian cadence
i–VII–VI–VA dramatic descent from flamenco, widely used in rock and Latin music.
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Basic minor
i–iv–V7Im–IVm–V7: the essentials of a minor key; the V7 brings the tension of the harmonic minor scale.
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IIm7(♭5)–V7–Im
iiø7–V7–i7The jazz and bolero cadence in a minor key.
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Epic minor pop
i–VI–III–VIIIm–♭VI–♭III–♭VII: a grand chorus in a minor key.
Relative and parallel keys
Relative major: B major. Both scales have the same notes and the same key signature (5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯)).
Parallel key: A flat major, with the same tonic and the other mode. Switching between them mid-song changes the mood without moving the home note.
Neighbours on the circle of fifths: C sharp minor (a fifth below) and D sharp minor (a fifth above). Modulating to them sounds natural.
Circle of fifths
G sharp minor is highlighted. Clockwise, each step goes up a fifth and adds a sharp; counter-clockwise, a flat. The relative minors are on the inside. Tap a key to see its chords.
Scales and tools for G sharp minor
Chords in other keys
Major keys
Minor keys
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of G sharp minor?
G♯m, A♯°, B, C♯m, D♯m, E, and F♯. As seventh chords: G♯m7, A♯m7(♭5), B7M, C♯m7, D♯m7, E7M, and F♯7.
What is the relative of G sharp minor?
B major. Both scales have the same notes and the same key signature: 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯).
What is the key signature of G sharp minor?
G sharp minor has 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯) in its key signature.
Why is the V chord major in G sharp minor?
In the natural minor scale the v chord is minor (D♯m) and barely pulls to the tonic. Raising the 7th note a half step (F𝄪, the leading tone) gives the harmonic minor scale, and the V becomes D♯ (D♯7), which resolves strongly to G♯m.
What chord progressions work in G sharp minor?
The most common: i–VII–VI–V: G♯m F♯ E D♯; i–iv–V7: G♯m C♯m D♯7; iiø7–V7–i7: A♯m7(♭5) D♯7 G♯m7; i–VI–III–VII: G♯m E B F♯.