Cm

General info

Full name

C Minor

Symbol

Cm

Root

C

Quality

Minor

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)Eb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

GG MajorFmF MinorA#A# Major

Main resolution

Cmsource

GG Major

Minor chord Cm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Cmsource

Deceptive resolution

G#G# Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Cmsource

Modal resolution

A#A# Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Cmsource

Jazz reharmonization

F7F Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

Cmsource

Functional resolution

FF Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel

CC Major

Relative

EbEb Major

Mediant

AbAb Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

viEb majorToniciiiAb majorToniciiBb majorPredominantiC minorTonic

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.