Chords in the key of C minor on ukulele
The chords in the key of C minor are built from the notes of the scale: Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant G7 leading back to Cm.
The chords of the key
- Cmi
- Ddimii°
- EbIII
- Fmiv
- Gmv
- GV
- G7V7
- AbVI
- BbVII
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| i | Cm | tonic (rest) |
| ii° | Ddim | subdominant (moves away) |
| III | Eb | tonic (rest) |
| iv | Fm | subdominant (moves away) |
| v | Gm | dominant (tension) |
| V | G | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | G7 | dominant (tension) |
| VI | Ab | subdominant (moves away) |
| VII | Bb | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Epic minor (i–VI–III–VII): Cm – Ab – Eb – Bb
- Andalusian (i–VII–VI–V): Cm – Bb – Ab – G
To improvise
The C minor scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the minor pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key.
Relative key: Eb major, with the same notes and a different home chord.