C minor is a musical scale that consists of the pitches C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, and B♭. When written in scientific notation, it is represented as Cm. This scale is commonly used in music theory and composition and is often used as a starting point for improvisation and melody writing.
The C minor scale is:
| Relative key | Eb Major |
|---|---|
| Parallel key | C major |
| Dominant key | G minor |
| Subdominant | F minor |
How to play C minor Scale On Piano
- Start by finding the C key on the piano. It is located just to the left of the group of two black keys in the middle of the piano.
- Press down on the C key with your thumb. This will be the root note of the C minor scale.
- Press down on the D key with your index finger. This will be the second note of the scale.
- Press down on the D# (or Eb) key with your middle finger. This will be the third note of the scale.
- Press down on the F key with your ring finger. This will be the fourth note of the scale.
- Press down on the G key with your little finger. This will be the fifth note of the scale.
- Press down on the G# (or Ab) key with your thumb. This will be the sixth note of the scale.
- Press down on the A key with your index finger. This will be the seventh note of the scale.
- Press down on the Bb (or A#) key with your middle finger. This will be the eighth and final note of the scale.
- To play the scale in ascending order, play the notes in the order C, D, D#/Eb, F, G, G#/Ab, A, Bb. To play the scale in descending order, play the notes in the reverse order Bb, A, G#/Ab, G, F, D#/Eb, D, C.
Note: You can also play the scale in different octaves by starting on a different C key on the piano.
Credit:Thomas Lemmon