A piano reference: chords, scales, theory & ear training.
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Chord Progressions
Minor Progressions
The harmony of minor keys · i · iv · V · i
Minor-key chord progressions draw on the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, giving them a darker color than major and a characteristic pull between the minor tonic and its raised or lowered dominant.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
Version
Notation
i›Cm
90 BPM
Root-position blocks move in leaps. Voice leading holds the common tones and steps the rest —
Common in"Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. · "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin · "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
Famous"Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. · "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin · "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
The slate blue and iron palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia, minor progressions maps to slate blue and iron, reflecting its serious, minor-key gravity.
About Minor Progressions
Minor-key chord progressions draw on the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, giving them a darker color than major and a characteristic pull between the minor tonic and its raised or lowered dominant.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
Version
Notation
i›Cm
95 BPM
Root-position blocks move in leaps. Voice leading holds the common tones and steps the rest —
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
Notation
iiø7›Dø7
100 BPM
Root-position blocks move in leaps. Voice leading holds the common tones and steps the rest —
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
Notation
i›Cm
80 BPM
Root-position blocks move in leaps. Voice leading holds the common tones and steps the rest —
Famous songs & pieces
"Losing My Religion" by R.E.M.
"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
Frequently asked questions
What is a minor progressions progression?
Minor-key chord progressions draw on the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, giving them a darker color than major and a characteristic pull between the minor tonic and its raised or lowered dominant.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.