C Minor Scale
The C Minor scale contains the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭. Its key signature has 3♭.
C Minor scale on the piano
Key facts
Scale degrees of C Minor
| Degree | Note | Name | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Tonic | P1 |
| 2 | D | Supertonic | M2 |
| 3 | E♭ | Mediant | m3 |
| 4 | F | Subdominant | P4 |
| 5 | G | Dominant | P5 |
| 6 | A♭ | Submediant | m6 |
| 7 | B♭ | Subtonic | m7 |
Chords in the key of C Minor
These are the seven diatonic triads built on each degree of the C Minor scale. Click a chord to see its notes, fingering and inversions.
Common chord progressions in C Minor
| Roman numerals | Chords |
|---|---|
| i – iv – v – i | Cm – Fm – Gm – Cm |
| i – VI – III – VII | Cm – A♭ – E♭ – B♭ |
| i – iv – VII – III | Cm – Fm – B♭ – E♭ |
| i – VII – VI – VII | Cm – B♭ – A♭ – B♭ |
Natural, harmonic & melodic C Minor
| Variant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Natural | C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭ |
| Harmonic | C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B |
| Melodic | C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B (ascending; the descending form matches the natural minor) |
Explore other scales
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Minor scale?
The C Minor scale consists of the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭.
How many sharps or flats does C Minor have?
The key signature of C Minor has 3♭.
What is the relative key of C Minor?
The relative key of C Minor is E♭ Major — it shares the same key signature.
What chords are in the key of C Minor?
The diatonic chords in the key of C Minor are Cm, Ddim, E♭, Fm, Gm, A♭, B♭.
