Cm
C Minor
1 ♭3 5

Notes in Cm

CR
E♭♭3
G5

The Cm chord contains 3 notes: C, E♭, G

Intervals

IntervalSemitonesNoteFunction
R0CRoot
♭33E♭Minor 3rd
57GPerfect 5th

About C Minor Chords

Minor chords use a flatted 3rd, creating a darker, more melancholic sound than major chords. The half-step difference between a major and minor 3rd is one of the most fundamental distinctions in music theory.

Compatible Scales & Modes

These scales contain all the notes of Cm and can be used for soloing, improvising, and writing melodies over this chord.

C Aeolian (Natural Minor)
The default minor scale — every note fits naturally over minor chords.
C Dorian
Adds a brighter quality than natural minor. The signature sound of jazz and funk minor grooves.
C Phrygian
Dark and exotic — common in metal, flamenco, and Middle Eastern-influenced music.
C Minor Pentatonic
The most-used scale in blues and rock. Five notes that always sound right over minor chords.

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