C minor · 7 chords · 3♭

Chords in the Key of C minor

The key of C minor contains the notes C – D – Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb. Its seven chords are Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb.

The seven chords of C minor

These are the triads built on each note of the C minor scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
i	Cm	C – Eb – G	Tonic
ii°	Ddim	D – F – Ab	Supertonic
III	Eb	Eb – G – Bb	Mediant
iv	Fm	F – Ab – C	Subdominant
v	Gm	G – Bb – D	Dominant
VI	Ab	Ab – C – Eb	Submediant
VII	Bb	Bb – D – F	Subtonic

Seventh chords in C minor

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit C minor.

Cm7 Dm7b5 Ebmaj7 Fm7 Gm7 Abmaj7 Bb7

Key signature of C minor

C minor has 3 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab.

The relative major of C minor is Eb major: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels brighter.

How to use the chords of C minor

Most songs in a minor key start and end on the i chord and lean on the iv and v chords. Try borrowing the major V chord to make the ending pull harder toward the home chord.

Chord progressions in C minor

Popular progressions written out in C minor:

i-VI-III-VII: Cm – Ab – Eb – Bb
Andalusian Cadence (i-VII-VI-V): Cm – Bb – Ab – G
i-iv-v (minor blues): Cm – Fm – Gm
i-VI-VII: Cm – Ab – Bb

Scales to play in C minor

C Natural Minor Scale C Minor Pentatonic Scale C Blues Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of C minor?

The chords in C minor are Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb, which are chords i – ii° – III – iv – v – VI – VII of the key.

What is the relative major of C minor?

It is Eb major. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in C minor?