G#m

General info

Full name

G# Minor

Symbol

G#m

Root

G#

Quality

Minor

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiiMediant (iii)E major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

D#D# MajorC#mC# MinorF#F# Major

Main resolution

G#msource

D#D# Major

Minor chord G#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

G#msource

Deceptive resolution

EE Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

G#msource

Modal resolution

F#F# Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

G#msource

Jazz reharmonization

C#7C# Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

G#msource

Functional resolution

C#C# Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel

AbAb Major

Relative

BB Major

Mediant

EE Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

vC# majorDominantiiiE majorToniciiF# majorPredominantviB majorTonic

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.