C minor chord on piano
Cm is a minor chord built on C. It uses the notes C - E♭ - G and sounds darker, softer and more emotional.
- Notes
- C E♭ G
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Cm
How to play Cm step by step
- Find C. C is the white key just left of each group of two black keys.
- Add E♭, 3 half steps above C.
- Add G, 7 half steps above C.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Cm inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the Cm chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. Cm appears naturally in these keys:
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C minor chord?
The C minor chord (Cm) contains 3 notes: C, E♭, G. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - 5.
How do you play Cm on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on C and play C, E♭, G together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.