Minor Chord
A minor chord, also called a minor triad, contains a root, minor third and perfect fifth. C minor is C, E flat and G. Lowering E in C major by one semitone changes the chord quality while the root and fifth remain fixed.
- 1-flat 3-5
- minor third
- perfect fifth
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Which notes are in C minor?
Use the formula 1-flat 3-5:
- C: root
- E flat: minor third
- G: perfect fifth
The symbol is Cm, Cmin or sometimes C-. A plain C without a quality mark normally means C major.
How is a minor triad built?
From C, move three semitones to E flat, then four semitones to G.
The outer interval C-G remains a perfect fifth of seven semitones.
You can also select degrees 1, flat 3 and 5 from the parallel major scale.
What is the difference between major and minor?
C major is C-E-G. C minor is C-E flat-G.
Only the third changes. The major third spans four semitones; the minor third spans three.
Compare both chords in the same register and volume. Name the moving pitch instead of relying on a mood label.
Is a minor chord unstable?
A minor triad can function as a complete tonic chord.
Its root and perfect fifth provide a clear foundation, while the minor third defines quality. A diminished triad lowers the fifth as well and creates a tritone from root to flat 5.
Function depends on key and progression. Cm can be tonic in C minor, ii in B-flat major or vi in E-flat major.
Where does it occur in a major key?
Minor triads occur on degrees ii, iii and vi.
In C major, they are Dm, Em and Am.
Their functions differ: Dm often prepares G, Em can extend tonic or connect voices, and Am is the relative-minor tonic or vi within C major.
Where does it occur in natural minor?
In C natural minor, the diatonic minor triads are Cm, Fm and Gm on degrees i, iv and v.
Tonal minor often raises B flat to B natural, turning Gm into G major or G7 for stronger dominant motion.
The tonic Cm remains C-E flat-G across natural, harmonic and melodic minor forms.
How do inversions work?
C minor has three bass positions:
- Root position: C-E flat-G
- First inversion: E flat-G-C
- Second inversion: G-C-E flat
The chord remains Cm because the pitch classes and root remain the same. The bass changes voice leading and emphasis.
Slash symbols such as Cm/E flat specify the inversion.
How is it different from diminished and augmented?
C diminished is C-E flat-G flat. It lowers the fifth.
C augmented is C-E-G sharp. It raises the fifth of a major triad.
Keep C fixed and move E or G one semitone at a time. This makes chord quality a concrete note change.
How does doubling affect the chord?
A triad voicing can repeat C, E flat or G in another octave.
Doubling the root is a common neutral choice. Doubling the third makes minor quality more prominent; doubling the fifth can support a strong upper line.
Choose doubling from melody, bass and voice leading rather than a universal ban.
How should you practice it?
Build Cm from its formula, then transpose it to Fm, A minor and E-flat minor.
Play C major and C minor by moving only E. Then compare Cm with C diminished by moving only G.
Finish with Cm-A flat-E flat-B flat and identify the tonic, flat VI, flat III and flat VII.