Minor chord - guitar
The minor chord is a triad composed of a root, a minor third and a perfect fifth. It differs from the major chord by its third lowered by a semitone, creating a darker sound.
Intervals
| Degree | I | ♭III | V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Minor third | Perfect fifth |
| Semitones | 0 | 3 | 7 |
Formula 1 - ♭3 - 5
Theory
The minor chord (notated m or min) is built by stacking a minor third (3 semitones) followed by a major third (4 semitones). The interval between the root and the fifth remains a perfect fifth (7 semitones). C minor = C-E♭-G, D minor = D-F-A.
Examples
Example: Do Minor
Bass fret 3
Bass fret 8
Styles
Construction
Formula 1 - 3b - 5: minor third (3 semitones). Example A minor: A - C - E.
Learning
Comparative approach: play C major then C minor.
How to play
Am, Em easy positions. Practice major ↔ minor transitions.