How to Play an Gm7 Guitar Chord

The G minor 7 (typically written as Gm7) is similar in shape and sound to the Gm chord. It delivers players and listeners a sound associated with uneasiness and a feeling of discontent. Its sound produces an anxious feeling that builds concern and passion in songs that incorporate its use.

Let’s learn more about this chord and how to play it.

What Notes Make Up the Gm7 Chord?

The Gm7 is a four-note chord that shares three of the notes of the Gm chord, plus the seventh note of F. When playing the Gm7 chord, listen for all four notes and hear how they meld together to create a distinct chord:

G, Bb, D, and F

Playing the Gm7 Chord

There are several variations of minor chords in the chord catalog, but the Gm7 is among the least common. You won’t hear it used in too many songs, but, if you truly want to master the guitar, knowing how to play the Gm7 chord is a must.

The most widely-used form of the Gm7 is reminiscent of the Gm chord, minus the pinky finger on the 5th fret of the D string. This Gm7 chord shape is also referred to as the Em7 barre shape.

To play, start by barring your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret. Then, place your ring ringer on the 5th fret of the fifth A string. Add your pinky to the 5th fret of the D string. Strum all six strings, from top to bottom.

Here's how that looks:

• Index finger: 3rd fret of the low E (6th) string

• Index finger: 3rd fret of the D (4th) string

• Index finger: 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string

• Index finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string

• Index finger: 3rd fret of the E (1st) string

• Ring finger: 5th fret of the A (5th) string

Strum six strings down from the low E string

Here’s another way to play the Gm7 (also referred to as the Am7 barre shape). If you want to add a little body and incorporate a little more note variety into the mix, is to place your index finger on the 10th fret and barre it across all strings from the A string down. Next, place your middle finger on the 11th fret of the B string. Put your ring finger on the 12th fret of the D string. Strum five strings down from the A string.

Here's how that looks:

• Index finger: 10th fret of the A (5th) string

• Index finger: 10th fret of the G (3rd) string

• Index finger: 10th fret of the E (1st) string

• Middle finger: 11th fret of the B (2nd) string

• Ring finger: 12th fret of the D (4th) string

Strum five strings down from the A string

Songs That Use the Gm7 Chord

The Gm7 chord doesn’t get a lot of love, which is a shame because the chord packs a powerful wallop and adds dimension to a song.

Although it’s used sparingly, you can hear the Gm7 chord lend its touch to the Four Tops “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” which blends a driving percussion and solid bassline with spirited horns. The Gm7 chord pairs well with the variety of instruments and sounds heard on this Motown classic. Learn to play this song using the Gm7 chord - and pick up a few tips on string muting, too!

Because a Gm7 chord is a minor chord with a seventh, it alters the tone slightly so it’s a not-quite-as-murky minor chord. Sometimes, it can sound downright perky. Case in point: “I Love Music” by the O'Jays. This funk classic has an uptempo groove provided a driving rhythm section. Complemented by horns and harmonizing vocals, this track puts the brighter side of Gm7 on full display.

Learn the Gm7 chord and listen for it yourself in popular favorites and other songs you love. You can also experiment by swapping a Gm chord for a Gm7 to see how it changes the soundscape of a song. Find unexpected ways to try to work Gm7 into your own chord progressions.

If you'd like to learn how to play even more chords, take a look at Fender Play's chord library. And if you're not a member yet, sign up for a free Fender Play trial.