Minor Chords

Let’s look at how to build an E flat minor chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any other minor chord.

What Are Minor Chords?

Minor chords are similar to major chords, except the middle note is lowered 1/2 step.

So one way to build a minor chord is to find the matching major chord, then lower the middle note 1/2 step.

We can build major chords using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale, so another way to build a minor chord is to find the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale, and then lower the middle note 1/2 step.

You can learn how to build a major scale here.

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 an E Flat Minor Chord

Now let’s build an E flat minor chord. We’ll start by building an E flat major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the E flat major scale: E♭ – G – B♭

Then we’ll lower the middle note, G, 1/2 step: E♭ – G♭ – B♭

So to play an E flat minor chord, we’ll play:

E♭ – G♭ – B♭

We can use this pattern to build any other minor chord! We’ll first build a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Then we’ll 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

Now you know how to build an E flat minor chord on the piano, and you can use this pattern to build any other minor chord!

Minor chords work well for expressing more somber and reflective moods, and give you more options for playing creatively at the piano.