G# minor: Key Signature, Scale and Chords

G# minor has 5 ♯ (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#) in its key signature.

The G# minor scale is: G# A# B C# D# E F# G#.

The diatonic chords are G#m (i), A#dim (ii°), B (III), C#m (iv), D#m (v), E (VI) and F# (VII). The main functions are G#m (tonic), C#m (subdominant) and D#m (dominant).

In harmonic minor the 7th degree is raised (F##); this turns the dominant into the major chord D#.

The relative major is B major. In the circle of fifths, C# minor (a fifth lower) and D# minor (a fifth higher) sit right next to G# minor.

G# minor is enharmonically equivalent to Ab minor, which has seven flats. With five sharps, G# minor is easier to read and is therefore usually preferred. Liszt's "La Campanella" is in G# minor.