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New Released in April 2026

G Minor Chord Inversions (Gm, Gm/Bb, Gm/D)

G minor chord inversions: root position Gm (G Bb D), 1st inversion Gm/Bb (Bb D G) and 2nd inversion Gm/D (D G Bb). Same three notes, a different note in the bass. Below: each position on the keyboard, how to tell them apart, the fingering for each one and a progression that uses them.

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Gm/Bb Bb D G

G minor chord: root position, 1st and 2nd inversion

Root position starts on G, the 1st inversion on Bb, the 2nd on D.

Gm G Bb D

Root position: G Bb D

Gm/Bb Bb D G

1st inversion: Bb D G

Gm/D D G Bb

2nd inversion: D G Bb

  • Root position: starts on G, a white key; black keys: Bb
  • 1st inversion: starts on Bb, a black key; black keys: Bb
  • 2nd inversion: starts on D, a white key; black keys: Bb

Inversions in a progression: Gm → Cm/G → D/F# → Gm

This is the reason pianists learn inversions: Gm → Cm/G → D/F# → Gm keeps the hand still while the chords change. The common note G stays under the same finger.

Gm G Bb D
Cm/G G C Eb
D/F# F# A D
  • From Gm to Cm/G: G stays, Bb → C, D → Eb.
  • From Cm/G to D/F#: G → F#, C → A, Eb → D.
  • From D/F# to Gm: F# → G, A → Bb, D stays.

Root position or inversion? The quick check for Gm

Two thirds stacked = root position. A fourth anywhere = an inversion, and the root is its top note.

PositionBassNameFigured bassShape (bottom to top)
Root positionGGm5/3minor 3rd + major 3rd
1st inversionBbGm/Bb6 (6/3)major 3rd + perfect 4th
2nd inversionDGm/D6/4perfect 4th + minor 3rd

Fingering for each Gm inversion

PositionRight handLeft hand
Root position (G Bb D)1-3-55-3-1
1st inversion (Bb D G)1-2-55-3-1
2nd inversion (D G Bb)1-3-55-2-1

The 1st inversion is the only one that changes the right hand: 1-2-5, because the fourth sits on top.

ChordRunner showing a chord block while hands play the piano

Train Gm inversions in a game

In ChordRunner any inversion of Gm counts: play root position, Gm/Bb or Gm/D and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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The Gm chord · All piano chords · Chord inversions explained

Common questions

What is the first inversion of G minor?

The 1st inversion of Gm is Bb D G, written Gm/Bb: the third, Bb, is in the bass and G moves to the top. In figured bass it is a 6 chord.

How do I recognise Gm/D on the piano?

Look at the lowest interval. In Gm/D it is a perfect fourth, D to G; the top note of that fourth, G, is the root.

What fingering do I use for Gm inversions?

Right hand: 1-3-5 for root position and 2nd inversion, 1-2-5 for the 1st inversion. Left hand: 5-3-1 for root position and 1st inversion, 5-2-1 for the 2nd inversion.

Why learn Gm inversions?

They let you change chords without moving the hand. Gm → Cm/G → D/F# → Gm uses inversions so most notes stay where they are and the others move by a step.

Does ChordRunner accept Gm in any inversion?

Yes. Play Gm/Bb, Gm/D or root position on a USB MIDI keyboard, detected automatically, or on an acoustic piano through the microphone: if the notes are G, Bb and D, it counts.

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ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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