Writing songs in G minor is not the most popular option, but there are plenty of incredible tunes you can find in various genres. As you know already, the G minor scale starts with the tone G, and it’s followed by A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, and G.
The scale has two flats (Bb and Eb), and it is relative to the Bb major scale. The popularity of the scale grew thanks to Mozart, and he thought it was the best option to express sadness or tragedy.
But there is so much more you can do with it. Needless to say, playing G minor on the guitar means you will either need to use a capo or play barre chords. And now is a perfect opportunity for you to improve your fretting skills.
System Of A Down – Chop Suey!
Chop Suey! is probably the most famous song by System of a Down, and it is an excellent one to learn if you are into metal. But the first thing you will need to do is tune your guitar to drop C tuning. This means you will have C, G, C, F, A, and D strings instead of the standard open E.
The next thing to mention is that the song opens with an acoustic guitar, but it is something you can learn on your electric guitar if you want. As for the chords and progression, this is not the easiest song to learn, but it is so much fun.
Donna Summer – Hot Stuff
Hot Stuff was released in 1979, and it was a single from Bad Girls. The song became an instant hit, and it is a mixture of R&B, soul, and rock. This was also a change from her style, introducing her music to a wider audience.
Playing Hot Stuff is not too complex, and it can be so much fun. Of course, you will need to tackle a few barre chords, but it shouldn’t be a problem with enough practice. You can also experiment with different effects or riffs if you want to make it a bit heavier.
The Police – Roxanne
Roxanne came out in 1978, and it was a single from Outlandos d’Amour which was the debut album by the Police. The song became an instant hit, and it is also named one of the best songs of all time. When you think of the Police, Roxanne is probably the first tune on your mind.
As with the majority of songs by the Police, playing it is not that simple. There are a bunch of unusual chords, quick changes, and beautiful progressions. And if you want to learn it, it will be an excellent addition to your repertoire.
Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
Money for Nothing is a song from 1985, it appeared on the Brothers in Arms album, and it’s one of the most popular ones by Dire Straits. If you are a fan of Mark Knopfler, you know this song already.
But playing it won’t be easy. The main challenge for this song is nailing the picking pattern, and it is essential if you want to sound like Knopfler. And since he plays the majority of songs without a pick, it might take a bit of practice.
Money For Nothing Guitar Chords
Soft Cell – Tainted Love
The original version of Tainted Love was recorded in 1964, and it was released by Gloria Jones. Over the years, the song received numerous covers, and the one by Soft Cell is among the most popular versions.
There are two main ways you can play this song. You can try it with a capo on the third fret, and the song will start with E minor, which in this case will be G minor. Or you can play with barre chords if you are comfortable with them.
Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana
Dirty Diana is one of many popular songs by Michael Jackson. It was released in 1987, and it appeared on the Bad album. The guitar solo was played by Steve Stevens, and the song is quite heavy, which is more in line with Beat It.
Now, you can play the song without a capo, or you can simplify the entire process by placing it on the third fret. It is up to you. But the more accurate version is the one without a capo. Needless to say, it is more beginner-friendly to go for the easier version
Eminem And Rihanna – Love The Way You Lie
Love the Way You Lie is a single by Eminem, and it was a part of the Recovery album from 2010. As you probably know already, the guest vocalist on the song is Rihanna, and the song was quite popular when it came out.
Playing the song is not that hard, and it is excellent for beginners. Since we are dealing with a G minor chord, the best choice is to put a capo on the third fret and enjoy playing open chords instead.
Love The Way You Lie Guitar Chords
Deep Purple – Soldier Of Fortune
Deep Purple has been around for quite some time, and there are numerous fans across the globe. But one song gained a cult following even though it was never released as a single. Yes, I am talking about Soldier of Fortune.
The song appeared on Stormbringer, it was released in 1974, and it was written by David Coverdale and Ritchie Blackmore. This incredible blues/rock ballad is an excellent way to work on improving your guitar skills if you are a beginner.
Soldier Of Fortune Guitar Chords
Lana Del Rey – Doin’ Time
Doin’ Time is a song by Sublime, and it features elements from Gershwin’s Summertime. In the past couple of years, the most recognizable version is the one by Lana Del Rey. It was released in 2019, and it became an instant hit.
To simplify things, you can put a capo on the third fret, which will allow you to play G minor the same way you would play open E minor. While it is possible to play the song without a capo, it will be a bit trickier for beginners.
Foo Fighters – All My Life
Everyone loves Dave Grohl. He’s been one of the best representatives of rock and other alt genres, and among his most famous projects is Foo Fighters. While the band has plenty of songs you can learn, All My Life is a great option if you are looking for a tune in G minor.
Now, this is not your typical song with barre chords or riffs. Instead, you will need to focus on the rhythm and nail the tempo if you want it to sound good. Naturally, you can play chords if you feel like it, but it won’t sound identical to the studio version.
Johnny Cash – Solitary Man
Choosing just one song by Johnny Cash can be quite difficult. But if the focus is on songs written in G minor, Solitary Man is an obvious choice. What is interesting is that the first version of Solitary Man was recorded in 1966.
Neil Diamond both wrote and recorded the first version, and Johnny Cash is one of many musicians who did covers since then. What is great about Cash’s version is that it’s easy to play, especially if you put a capo on the third fret.
Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
Billie Eilish became one of the biggest artists in such a short time, and she has fans all across the globe. If you are one of them, you will be delighted to learn more about Bad Guy and how to play one of Billie Eilish’s most popular songs.
There are a few ways to approach this tune since the song is not played on a guitar. You can play the main theme on your instrument, or just strum chords along with the tune. It is also possible to play with or without a capo, and playing with a capo is great if you opt for the chord version.
Eric Clapton – I Shot The Sheriff
The original version of I Shot the Sheriff was released in 1973 by Bob Marley and the Wailers. It was a single from Burnin’. But the version from 461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton is the one that introduced this song to a wider audience.
Even though the basic idea behind the versions is the same, there are a few differences between them. Namely, Clapton loves playing long solos whenever performing the song live even though the studio version is without a solo.
I Shot The Sheriff Guitar Chords
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Charlie
Stadium Arcadium was released in 2006, and it was a double album. While Charlie was not one of the five released singles, it is still one of many amazing tracks you can check out. Charlie is a different song that is so much fun to play.
Most importantly, it is beginner-friendly. Even though you will need to start with the G minor chord, you won’t need to play the full barre version unless you feel like it. But either way, you will only play the first three strings.
Elton John – Rocket Man
Rocket Man was released as a single in 1972, and the official title of the song is Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time). Needless to say, everyone is using the shorter title. The song is played on a piano, but you can easily learn the guitar adaptation.
The first thing you should do is place a capo on the third fret, which will make everything a bit simpler. As for the chords, they are not that challenging, but you still might need some practice to play them without any issues.
Taylor Swift – I Did Something Bad
I Did Something Bad is a song from Reputation, and it was released in 2017. This is an incredible track by Taylor Swift, and it is a combination of EDM, grunge, and electro-trap. For many people, this is among the best songs she recorded, and it’s easy to play.
As you can probably guess by now, the capo is on the third fret, which will make it easy to play the entire song with open chords. Furthermore, you won’t need to worry about barre chords as long as you have a capo, and it is a beginner-friendly track.
I Did Something Bad Guitar Chords
Eagles – Witchy Woman
Witchy Woman came out in 1972, and it was a single from the debut album Eagles. Of course, it is not the most popular song Eagles recorded, but it is worth checking out. It will also help you understand why this is one of the best and most famous bands of all time.
To play the song, you can experiment with a few different options. You can focus on just one guitar (or the other) or mix them together. It is up to you. As for the chords, they might be a bit tricky if you are inexperienced but the song is not too hard to play.
Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Shine On You Crazy Diamond is iconic. It is a nine-part song, and it was released in 1975 on Wish You Were Here. The song was special for many reasons. First of all, it’s quite long. The entire song is nearly twenty-six minutes long, but it is a bit shorter if you focus on the first five parts only.
Now, you will need a lot of practice. The majority of it will be reserved for memorizing the order of everything. Fortunately, the song itself is not that challenging. And if you manage to nail the tempo, it will sound incredible.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond Guitar Chords
Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know?
Do I Wanna Know? was released in 2013, and it appeared on the fifth album by Arctic Monkeys. The song became one of their biggest hits, topping charts across the globe. It was nominated (and won) for numerous awards, and it’s so much fun to play.
This tune by Arctic Monkeys is in G minor, and you could play it with a capo if you wanted. The only issue is the intro, and if you opt for capo, you will need to play it an octave higher. But even without a capo, the song is not too challenging.
Gary Moore – The Loner
The Loner is a song by the legendary Gary Moore, and it was released in 1987. The song was originally on Cozy Powell’s album from 1979 called Over the Top, and it was dedicated to Jeff Beck.
Now, the first thing you will notice about The Loner is that this is an instrumental. The song is in G minor, and it is an excellent opportunity for you to explore something new and different. And once you get more comfortable with the progression, you can try improvising the sections as well.
Fleetwood Mac – You Make Loving Fun
You Make Loving Fun is a song from the album Rumours, it was released in 1977 and was written by Christine McVie. The idea behind the record was to create a pop album, and the results were incredible.
Playing You Make Loving Fun is not that challenging. You will start with a capo on the third fret, and you will only need to play open chords. Naturally, you can use barre chords instead, but it will make everything a bit harder.
You Make Loving Fun Guitar Chords
Ghost – Here Comes The Sun
Here Comes the Sun is an iconic song by the Beatles, and it was written by George Harrison. The original was released in 1969, and it was written in A major. In 2010, Ghost released the debut album called Opus Eponymous, and Here Comes the Sun was available in the Japanese edition.
One of the first changes you will notice is that the song is in the minor key. And this adds something new and unique to the well-known tune. Now, you can play this song normally, or you can tune it to D standard if you want to add all the fun parts.
Here Comes The Sun Guitar Chords
Jethro Tull – Aqualung
Aqualung is a song by the progressive rock band Jethro Tull, and it was released in 1971. There are several parts of this song, and it’s quite interesting to learn. The song will give you a chance to polish your skills and work on several different techniques.
Of course, the question is how far you want to go. You can switch between the acoustic and electric guitar. And you can place a capo on the third fret for the acoustic part. Furthermore, it is possible to play the entire song with a capo to make it simpler.
R.E.M. – Überlin
Überlin was a part of Collapse into Now, which was released in 2011. The name of the song is a combination of words über which means over and Berlin. The song is in the key of G minor, and it’s a great option for beginners.
You can add the short intro if you feel comfortable with the song, or you can just strum chords along with the song. It is up to you. The capo is on the third fret, and the progression is quite simple.
Bob Dylan – Things Have Changed
Things Have Changed might not be Bob Dylan’s most famous song, but it is worth checking out. The song originally appeared as a part of the soundtrack for Wonder Boys in 2000, and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
To play it, you will need a capo on the third fret, and just a few chords. The song can also be a great way for you to practice barre chords since there will be a few of them even with the capo on. But it is not too challenging.
Things Have Changed Guitar Chords
Ed Sheeran – Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves is a song from the album Plus (or +), and it was released in 2011. It was written by Ed Sheeran and Jake Gosling, and it is not a cover of the famous chanson Les Feuilles Mortes from 1945. So, you won’t need to be afraid of this jazz standard if you are a beginner.
Sheeran’s version is fun and simple, and it is in the key of G minor. Naturally, you will need a capo on the third fret, and a few chords. The song is quite nice for beginners, but there is a chance you will be introduced to a few new chords.
John Mayer – Ain’t No Sunshine
The original version of Ain’t No Sunshine was released in 1971, and it was written by Bill Withers. Over the years, many artists released their own versions, and the focus here is on the cover by John Mayer.
Playing the way John Mayer plays is never easy. And you will need to up your game if you want to sound accurate. But at the same time, you can experiment with a simpler version based on the chord progression. And fortunately, the basic chords are not that difficult.
Ain’t No Sunshine Guitar Chords
ZZ Top – Cheap Sunglasses
Cheap Sunglasses is a single from Degüello, and it was released in 1979. This is one of the songs that show exactly what ZZ Top has to offer, and it is one of the most popular tunes by the band. The basic progression of the song is simple, but you will need a bit of practice to nail the tone.
Needless to say, you should experiment with different pedals instead of blowing up the amp like Billy Gibbons did. All things considered, the song is a good option for beginners, but it isn’t the easiest one on the list.
Cheap Sunglasses Guitar Chords
Eliot Smith – Between the Bars
Eliot Smith was a unique person and a wonderful guitar player. The chord progressions you will find in his songs are quite unusual, but only show how incredible he was. Between the Bars is his probably most famous song, and it was released on Either/Or in 1997.
It is also one of the three songs from the album that appeared in the Good Will Hunting soundtrack. Now, the first thing you will need is to tune your guitar to the D standard. This means D, G, C, F, A, and D instead of your standard E. And to keep practicing.
Between the Bars Guitar Chords
Skid Row – Youth Gone Wild
Youth Gone Wild was a debut single by Skid Row, and it was released in 1989. The song is fun to play, and it’s far from easy if you want to play all the interesting bits. You won’t need a capo, and it is in standard tuning.
While playing this on an acoustic guitar is still possible, the results won’t be the same. You can also experiment with the solo, or focus enough and learn how to play it from the start. It is up to you. The only thing that matters is that you practice and go for whichever version suits you.
Conclusion
G minor is a fun key to play in, but it is not the most popular one. There are still plenty of songs covering different genres that are in this key. The G minor scale has two flat notes, Bb and Eb, and the relative major is B-flat major.
Mozart was quite fond of this key, and he often described it as the best key to express tragedy. This doesn’t mean that it is the only purpose of the G minor, and there are plenty of other choices. When it comes to playing songs in this key, one of the most common options is to place a capo on the third fret.
Needless to say, it is still possible to play without a capo, but it simplifies the process for beginners since they won’t need to play barre chords.
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