Julie Swihart

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 built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching minor scale (learn how to build minor scales here).

And while there are three types of minor scales (natural, harmonic and melodic), it doesn’t matter which one you use, because the first, third and fifth notes of all three will be the same.

Another way to build a minor chord is to play a major chord and lower the middle note 1/2 step. (This post covers minor chords in more detail.)

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, etc.).

Get the Printable

How to Play a Cm Chord

So to play a Cm chord on the piano, we’ll play the first, third and fifth notes of a C minor scale: C – E♭ – G

C – E♭ – G

You can use this pattern to build any minor chord. Just play the first, third and fifth notes of the matching minor scale. Or take the matching major chord, and 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!