C Minor Scale

C Natural Minor Scale piano keyboard diagram showing the notes C D E♭ F G A♭ B♭.

The C Natural Minor Scale contains three flats, B♭, E♭ and A♭, giving it one of the most recognisable sounds in Western music. Built from the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭ and B♭, it appears in countless piano works and dramatic compositions. Learning C Minor strengthens your understanding of harmony, chord progressions and expressive playing. The Visual Piano System reveals the scale's underlying structure through memorable visual relationships that support long-term learning.

Root note:

C

Scale type:

Natural Minor

Notes:

C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C

Formula:

T S T T S T T

Relative minor:

E♭ Major

No. of Sharps:

0 No. of Flats:

3

Practice tips:

With B♭, E♭ and A♭, this scale introduces a richer black-key pattern. Keep your hand relaxed and avoid rushing the thumb crossings.

Chords in scale:

C Minor (i) – C, E♭, G
D Diminished (ii°) – D, F, A♭
E♭ Major (III) – E♭, G, B♭
F Minor (iv) – F, A♭, C
G Minor (v) – G, B♭, D
A♭ Major (VI) – A♭, C, E♭
B♭ Major (VII) – B♭, D, F