C MINOR - GUITAR
Bass position 3
Bass position 8
Chord composition
| I | ♭III | V |
|---|---|---|
| Root | Minor third | Perfect fifth |
| C | D# | G |
ALL ABOUT THE C MINOR CHORD
Chord Composition
The C Minor chord is composed of 3 notes :
- C (Root)
- D# (Minor third)
- G (Perfect fifth)
These notes form a minor triad, giving a darker and more melancholic color.
How to play C Minor on guitar
The C Minor minor chord has several positions on the guitar neck. Each position offers different sonority and ergonomics.
- Open position: uses open strings, perfect for beginners. The sound is rich and resonant.
- Barre position: transposable anywhere on the neck, essential for playing in all keys.
- Middle and high positions: offer clearer sound, used for solos and melodic passages.
The minor chord differs from its major equivalent by its minor third, which creates a darker and more introspective atmosphere. This quality makes it a preferred choice for ballads and melancholic pieces.
Tips specific to minor chords
Minor chords require special attention:
- Fingering precision: the minor third is often on an adjacent fret to the major, be precise
- Emotional expression: use dynamic nuances to exploit the melancholic character
- Major-minor transitions: practice changes between major and minor versions of the same chord
Popular chord progressions with C Minor
The C Minor minor chord frequently appears in these progressions:
- i-iv-v progression: natural minor progression, minor equivalent of I-IV-V. Creates a dark and introspective atmosphere.
- i-VI-III-VII progression: characteristic minor color, heavily used in alternative rock and metal.
- Andalusian cadence (i-VII-VI-V): very present in flamenco and Spanish music.
- vi-IV-I-V progression: relative major-minor relationship, creates emotional contrast.
Usage by musical style
Rock and Alternative: the minor chord is the backbone of many melancholic pieces.
Folk and Indie: creates an introspective atmosphere perfect for acoustic ballads.
Metal: used in heavy riffs, exploiting its dark color.
Famous Songs Using C Minor
This chord appears in many well-known pieces :
- Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin (intro)
- All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
- Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
- Mad World - Gary Jules