Minor Chords

Let’s look at how to play a Cm (C minor) chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any minor chord.

What Are Minor Chords?

Minor chords are major chords with the middle note lowered 1/2 step.

So we can build a minor chord by first building a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Then we’ll convert the major chord into a minor chord by lowering the middle note 1/2 step.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 35-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note and type.

Get the Printable

How to Play a Cm Chord

So to play a Cm chord on the piano, we’ll first build a C major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the C major scale: C – E – G. Then we’ll lower the middle note 1/2 step to E♭

C – E♭ – G

You can use this pattern to build any minor chord. First build a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Then lower the middle note 1/2 step.

Other Chord Types

Some of the other chord types you can learn are:

Major
Augmented
Diminished
Second
Minor Second
Suspended
Fifth
Sixth
Minor Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Ninth
Minor Ninth
Major ninth

Conclusion

Minor chords sound really beautiful on the piano, and are fun to use when playing creatively. They lend themselves naturally to slower and more introspective music.

Piano chords are a wonderful way to enjoy this beautiful instrument!