Chords in the key of C minor
Stacking thirds on each note of the minor scale gives these chords. The Roman numeral shows each chord's job in the key: uppercase is major, lowercase is minor, and ° is diminished.
| Degree | Triad | 7th chord |
|---|---|---|
| i | Cm | Cm7 |
| ii° | D° | Dø7 |
| III | E♭ | E♭maj7 |
| iv | Fm | Fm7 |
| v | Gm | Gm7 |
| VI | A♭ | A♭maj7 |
| VII | B♭ | B♭7 |
| V (harmonic minor) | G | G7 |
Minor keys usually borrow a major V chord (G) from the harmonic minor scale, because the raised seventh pulls strongly back to the tonic. That is why it appears as an extra row above.
Chord names link to guitar shapes. For the same chords on ukulele, or for every chord in every key at a glance, see the chord chart.
Key signature of C minor
C minor has 3 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭. Every B, E, A in the music is played as a flat unless marked otherwise. The relative major key, E♭ major, uses exactly the same signature. See all of them on the key signature chart and circle of fifths.
Common chord progressions in C minor
These popular progressions, written out in the key of C minor:
- The minor pop progression (i–VI–III–VII): Cm A♭ E♭ B♭ Piano fingering →
- Classic minor cadence (i–iv–V–i): Cm Fm G Cm Piano fingering →
- Descending minor (i–VII–VI–V): Cm B♭ A♭ G Piano fingering →
- Minor ii–V–i with sevenths (iiø7–V7–i7): Dø7 G7 Cm7 Piano fingering →
The "piano fingering" links show the smoothest inversions for each progression. To change a song into C minor, use the chord transposer.
Playing C minor on guitar: which capo?
The easiest way to play C minor is capo on fret 3 with A minor shapes (Am, C, Dm, Em, G). It will sound in C minor. See every capo position for C minor →
Related keys
- Relative major: E♭ major (3 flats: B♭ E♭ A♭)
- Parallel key (same tonic): C major (no sharps or flats)
- Dominant key (a fifth up): G minor (2 flats: B♭ E♭)
- Subdominant key (a fifth down): F minor (4 flats: B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭)
Closely related keys differ by at most one sharp or flat, which is why songs modulate between them so easily. Explore them with the relative key finder.
Learn the key of C minor
- The full C minor scale page has the formula, degree names and practice tips.
- Work out the key of a progression with the chords to key finder.
- Practise spotting keys with Name That Key, and degrees with Scale Degree Names.
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of C minor?
The triads are i Cm, ii° D°, III E♭, iv Fm, v Gm, VI A♭, VII B♭. With seventh chords: Cm7, Dø7, E♭maj7, Fm7, Gm7, A♭maj7, B♭7.
What notes are in C minor?
C minor uses the notes C D E♭ F G A♭ B♭.
How many flats does C minor have?
C minor has 3 flats: B♭ E♭ A♭.
What is the relative major of C minor?
The relative major of C minor is E♭ major. They share the same key signature and the same notes.
What are common chord progressions in C minor?
i–VI–III–VII: Cm, A♭, E♭, B♭. i–iv–V–i: Cm, Fm, G, Cm. i–VII–VI–V: Cm, B♭, A♭, G. iiø7–V7–i7: Dø7, G7, Cm7.
Which capo position makes C minor easy to play on guitar?
Put the capo on fret 3 and play A minor shapes. It will sound in C minor.