Key of C Minor

General Info

Name

C Minor

Type

Minor (natural)

Tonic

C

Key signature

3 flats (E, A, B)

Relative key

Eb MajorRelative

Parallel key

C MajorParallel

Description

Complete reference for the key of C Minor: diatonic chords, fretboard scale, common progressions and related keys.

Key Composition

Degrees, notes & intervals

1Croot

2Dmajor 2nd

3Ebminor 3rd

4Fperfect 4th

5Gperfect 5th

6Abminor 6th

7Bbminor 7th

Key Construction

Interval formula

C

1

D

½

Eb

1

F

1

G

½

Ab

1

Bb

Explanation

A minor key is built on the natural minor scale: whole step, half step, two whole steps, half step, two whole steps. Its character comes from the lowered 3rd, 6th and 7th degrees.

How the Key Feels

Key character

Heroic and powerful minor key. Three flats. Sounds majestic and resolute. The key of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Harmonic Functions

Overview

Tonic is the center of the key, a point of rest and stability. Subdominant creates movement away from tonic, building tension. Dominant provides maximum pull toward tonic, seeking resolution. The harmonic motion T→S→D→T is the core principle of tonal music.

Chords by Degree

Tensions & Resolutions

Harmonic Context

Tonal patterns & principles

C Minor is a classic minor key. Natural, harmonic and melodic minor provide different chord sets, so minor allows more variety.

Natural progressions

i–VI–III–VII

Cm—Ab—Eb—Bb

natural minori–VII–VI–V

Cm—Bb—Ab—G

Andalusian cadence

Cadences

VGG

iCC

Authentic cadence with a major dominant (raised VII) — confirms the minor center.

ivFF

VGG

iCC

Full cadence — the most convincing ending in minor.