The root gives the chord its letter name.
Minor chords
Minor piano chords
Minor piano chords are usually built from a root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth. A minor is A, C, and E.
A3B3C4D4E4F4G4A4B4C5D5E5
A#3C#4D#4F#4G#4A#4C#5D#5A minor third is three half steps above the root.
The fifth is seven half steps above the root.
Minor chord formula
Count three half steps from the root to find the minor third, then seven half steps from the root to find the fifth.
Common minor chords
A minor, D minor, and E minor are useful first minor chords because they work well with C major songs.
How minor chords sound
Minor chords often sound darker, softer, or more tense than major chords because their third is lower.
Starter minor piano chords
| Chord | Notes |
|---|---|
| A minor | A C E |
| D minor | D F A |
| E minor | E G B |
| C minor | C Eb G |
| G minor | G Bb D |
FAQ
Quick answers
What is the easiest minor piano chord?
A minor is often easiest because it uses only white keys.
What notes are in A minor?
A minor uses A, C, and E.
How do I make a chord minor?
Lower the third of the matching major chord by one half step.