Key of C - The C Minor Scale

Notes in the C Minor Scale:

CDEbFGAbBb

The key of C contains 7 notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.This minor key has a darker, more introspective quality perfect for emotional expression.

Chords in the Key of C

i
i
C minor
ii°
ii°
D diminished
III
III
Eb major
iv
iv
F minor
v
v
G minor
VI
VI
Ab major
VII
VII
Bb major

Common Chord Progressions

i - iv - v
Minor blues
i
C minor
→
iv
F minor
→
v
G minor
i - VII - VI - VII
Andalusian cadence
i
C minor
→
VII
Bb major
→
VI
Ab major
→
VII
Bb major
i - VI - III - VII
Natural minor
i
C minor
→
VI
Ab major
→
III
Eb major
→
VII
Bb major
i - iv - VII - III
Minor pop
i
C minor
→
iv
F minor
→
VII
Bb major
→
III
Eb major
C Minor Scale Pattern

The C Minor scale follows the pattern of W-H-W-W-H-W-W (natural minor scale).

Scale formula: C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb

Key signature: Same as its relative major

Understanding the Key of C

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The i chord (C minor) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The v chord (G minor) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.