C minor scale
The notes of the C minor scale
The C minor scale follows the whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole pattern from its tonic. Its seven degrees, tonic highlighted: This is the natural minor form.
The chords of the scale
Harmonising each degree of C minor gives the chords that sound right together. This is the toolbox for an accompaniment in this key.
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| i | Cm | Tonic |
| ii° | D° | Supertonic |
| III | Eb | Mediant |
| iv | Fm | Subdominant |
| v | Gm | Dominant |
| VI | Ab | Submediant |
| VII | Bb | Subtonic |
Harmonic and melodic minor
The natural form has no leading tone: its 7th degree stays a whole tone below the tonic. Raising that 7th degree by a semitone restores the pull towards C minor — that is the harmonic minor. The melodic minor raises the 6th degree as well, to remove the augmented second the harmonic form leaves between the 6th and the 7th.
| Natural minor | C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb |
| Harmonic minor | C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B |
| Melodic minor (ascending) | C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B |
In classical practice, the melodic form descends as the natural minor.
Key signature
The key of C minor has 3 flats. Its relative shares exactly the same signature. Its accidentals, in signature order: Bb, Eb, Ab.
Going further
Two guides to go back over the basics: what a scale is, and how to read a key signature.
Neighbouring keys
On the circle of fifths, C minor shares most of its chords with its direct neighbours. The relative has exactly the same signature; the dominant and the subdominant differ by a single accidental.
Other keys
The interactive keyboard in the app
Hear the scale and its chords on the Music Hub playable keyboard, and spot them in your songs. Free, no account required.
Open Scales & keyboard →Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the C minor scale?
The C minor scale is made of seven notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.
Which chords go with C minor?
The diatonic chords of C minor are: Cm (i), D° (ii°), Eb (III), Fm (iv), Gm (v), Ab (VI), Bb (VII). The three pillars of an accompaniment are Cm (i), Fm (iv), Gm (v).
What is the relative of C minor?
The relative major of C minor is E flat major: it shares the same key signature (3 flats) and the same notes, only the resting note changes.
How many accidentals are in the key of C minor?
The key signature of C minor has 3 flats. Its accidentals, in signature order: Bb, Eb, Ab. You build the scale from the tonic following the whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole pattern.
What is the C minor harmonic scale?
The C minor harmonic minor raises the 7th degree by a semitone: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B. The ascending melodic minor raises the 6th and the 7th: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B. The natural form stays C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.