THE CHORD BOOK / MINOR
Chord progressions
in C Minor.
Ten common progressions, with guitar shapes and strummed playback.
Pick one to practice, or edit its chords at the workbench.
C Minor uses the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭. Start with Cm – A♭ – E♭ – B♭: Cm is the home chord, and the other chords give it movement before the loop returns. E♭ Major is its relative key, using the same scale notes with a different tonal center.
YOUR CHORD PALETTE
Triads & sevenths in C Minor
About this key & reading the diagrams
All shapes use standard tuning (E A D G B e), without a capo. Read the diagrams from the low E string on the left to the high e on the right. ○ means open, × means muted, and 1–4 are your fingers from index to little finger. A thick bar means barre those strings with finger 1.
Tap any chord to inspect its fingering. Each chord lasts four beats; the audio downstrums on beats 1 and 3. Start slowly and keep the same rhythm through each change.
Roman numerals show each chord’s place in the scale: uppercase means major, lowercase means minor, and ° means diminished.
Some progressions use a major V chord from harmonic minor. Raising the seventh scale note creates a stronger pull back to the minor tonic.
Scale notes: C · D · E♭ · F · G · A♭ · B♭
10 progressions.
One bar per chord / 4 beats per bar
01 / PROGRESSION
After the rain
A dark opening expands into broad major chords. This familiar minor-key loop suits an emotional chorus or a cinematic theme.
CHORD PREVIEW02 / PROGRESSION
The descending story
A descending bass line adds drama. The major V borrows the raised seventh from harmonic minor for a strong pull back to i.
CHORD PREVIEW03 / PROGRESSION
Quiet reflection
A restrained conversation between two minor chords, with a little light at the end. Try it for sparse verses and gentle fingerpicking.
CHORD PREVIEW04 / PROGRESSION
The pull of home
A classic minor cadence that builds tension and resolves clearly. Its major V uses the raised seventh of harmonic minor.
CHORD PREVIEW05 / PROGRESSION
After hours
Minor sevenths move into the brighter relative major seventh, then a dominant seventh. Keep the rhythm loose for a relaxed, late-night atmosphere.
CHORD PREVIEW06 / PROGRESSION
A slow burn
A spacious start grows into a tense major dominant. The harmonic-minor V makes the return feel dramatic and satisfying.
CHORD PREVIEW07 / PROGRESSION
Beyond the horizon
Two rising major chords land on the minor tonic. The extra bar on i gives a big melody room to breathe.
CHORD PREVIEW08 / PROGRESSION
A passing memory
A gentle descent opens into a softer major ending. A wistful loop for reflective verses and delicate instrumental textures.
CHORD PREVIEW09 / PROGRESSION
Light in the shadows
The minor tonic gives way to three major chords for a warmer, hopeful color. Try it for mellow pop with a subtle emotional edge.
CHORD PREVIEW10 / PROGRESSION
The silver lining
Major sevenths bring out the brighter side of the minor key, with a dominant seventh adding motion. Use it as an uplifting contrast to a darker verse.
CHORD PREVIEW