The short answer
In C minor, the chords that fit naturally are Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab, and Bb. These come from the C natural minor scale. Players also commonly use a G major or G7 chord instead of Gm, borrowed from the harmonic minor scale, because it leads more strongly back to Cm.
Key signature and scale
C minor has three flats: Bb, Eb, and Ab. The natural minor scale is C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb. Its relative major is Eb major, which shares the same key signature, so the two keys use the same notes.
C minor also has two other common scale forms. Harmonic minor raises the seventh note to B natural (C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - B), and melodic minor raises both the sixth and seventh going up (C - D - Eb - F - G - A - B).
Diatonic chords in natural minor
| Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| i | C minor | C - Eb - G |
| ii° | D diminished | D - F - Ab |
| III | Eb major | Eb - G - Bb |
| iv | F minor | F - Ab - C |
| v | G minor | G - Bb - D |
| VI | Ab major | Ab - C - Eb |
| VII | Bb major | Bb - D - F |
With seventh chords, you get Cm7, Dm7b5, Ebmaj7, Fm7, Gm7, Abmaj7, and Bb7. Many jazz and pop players use these for a richer sound. Because the Eb major key has the same chords, our page on chords in Eb major is a handy cross-reference.
Harmonic minor and the major V chord
The Gm chord from natural minor sounds gentle but does not pull strongly back to C minor. In harmonic minor, the raised seventh (B natural) turns the v chord into G major (G - B - D), or G7 (G - B - D - F) with a seventh. The B is a half step below C, which creates the leading tone that makes the resolution feel final.
Because of this, V (G or G7) is used constantly in minor keys. The raised seventh also turns the vii chord into a B diminished chord (B - D - F), which is occasionally used as well.
Borrowed and colorful options
Once the basic chords are familiar, you can add color from other scales. These are suggestions, not rules.
- F major (IV): The F major chord comes from the Dorian mode of C (C - D - Eb - F - G - A - Bb). It brightens the sound.
- C major at the end (Picardy third): Ending a minor piece on a C major chord instead of Cm is a long-used effect.
- Db major (bII): Sometimes called the Neapolitan chord, a dramatic option that often moves to G before returning to Cm.
Progressions to try
- i-VI-VII: Cm - Ab - Bb
- i-iv-VII: Cm - Fm - Bb
- i-iv-V: Cm - Fm - G
- i-VI-III-VII: Cm - Ab - Eb - Bb
- ii°-V-i: Ddim - G - Cm
For an overview of how these numbers work, read good chord progressions to know. You can also try the minor cousin of the I-vi-ii-V pattern described in our I vi ii V guide.
On piano, play the chords in your right hand and a low C, F, G, Ab, or Bb in your left, and use inversions to keep your hand from jumping. Looping two or three of them also makes a good backing for the exercises in improvisation exercises for music.
C minor vs C major
The difference is one note. C major has E natural (C - E - G), while C minor has Eb (C - Eb - G). That lowered third changes the mood, which most listeners hear as darker or more serious. Moving from C major to C minor on the same root is called going to the parallel minor.
Relative major and other questions
What is the key signature of C minor? Three flats: Bb, Eb, and Ab.
What is the relative major of C# minor? E major. For C minor, it is Eb major.
Why is C minor so good? It is a matter of taste, but many pianists enjoy it because it is a common key in classical music and the chords fit the hands well.