The key of A minor has no sharps or flats. The notes of the scale are A, B, C, D, E, F, G and its diatonic chords are Am, B°, C, Dm, Em, F, G.
A minor scale
Natural minor scale: A · B · C · D · E · F · G · A
Harmonic minor (7th degree raised a half step): A · B · C · D · E · F · G♯ · A
Melodic minor (6th and 7th raised, going up): A · B · C · D · E · F♯ · G♯ · A
The chords (triads)
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Am | A C E | |
| ii° | B° | B D F | |
| III | C | C E G | |
| iv | Dm | D F A | |
| v | Em | E G B | |
| VI | F | F A C | |
| VII | G | G B D | |
| V | E | E G♯ B |
In practice, minor keys almost always use E (a major chord, from the harmonic minor scale) as the dominant, because it pulls strongly to Am.
Seventh chords
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Am7 | A C E G | |
| ii° | Bm7(b5) | B D F A | |
| III | C7M | C E G B | |
| iv | Dm7 | D F A C | |
| v | Em7 | E G B D | |
| VI | F7M | F A C E | |
| VII | G7 | G B D F | |
| V7 | E7 | E G♯ B D |
Common progressions in A minor
- Am – Dm – E – Am (i – iv – V – i)
- Am – F – C – G (i – VI – III – VII)
- B° – E – Am (ii° – V – i)
- Am – G – F – E (i – VII – VI – V)
Relative key
The relative major of A minor is C major: same notes, starting from C.
Chords in other keys
Major keys: C major · G major · D major · A major · E major · B major · F♯ major · G♭ major · D♭ major · A♭ major · E♭ major · B♭ major · F major
Minor keys: A minor · E minor · B minor · F♯ minor · C♯ minor · G♯ minor · E♭ minor · B♭ minor · F minor · C minor · G minor · D minor
Learn how it works in diatonic chords: the complete guide and practice the scales in the app with your microphone.
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of A minor?
In the natural minor: Am, B°, C, Dm, Em, F, G. In practice the major E is also used as the dominant.
What is the difference between natural, harmonic and melodic minor?
Harmonic minor raises the 7th a half step (G♯); melodic minor raises the 6th and 7th (F♯ and G♯) going up.
What is the relative major of A minor?
C major, which uses the same notes.