Minor Chords on Piano
The minor chord is the second most important chord in music — a three-note triad built from the root, minor third, and perfect fifth. It has a dark, melancholic, and emotional sound that provides contrast to the brightness of major chords.
Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th
Intervals: 3 semitones + 4 semitones (from root)
Scale degrees: 1–♭3–5
Sound: Dark, melancholic, emotional, expressive
Symbol: Lowercase m after the letter (Cm, Dm, Em etc.)
Major vs Minor: The only difference is the third — major chords have a major third (4 semitones from root), minor chords have a minor third (3 semitones). That one semitone changes the entire emotional character from bright and happy to dark and melancholic.
Minor Chord in All 18 Keys
Select any key to see notes, the interactive keyboard, inversions, fingering, and practice tips.