Chords in the Key of A minor
A minor has no sharps or flats. Its seven chords are Am, B°, C, Dm, Em, F, G, and the major E (from the harmonic minor) is often used as the V chord. The relative major is C major.
Click any chord to hear it, play the progressions or download them as MIDI. Click the circle to compare other keys.
A minor scale
A – B – C – D – E – F – G. Key signature: no sharps or flats.
All chords in A minor
| Degree | Triad | Notes | 7th chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i | Am | A – C – E | Am7 | A – C – E – G | tonic (home) |
| ii° | B° | B – D – F | Bm7♭5 | B – D – F – A | subdominant |
| III | C | C – E – G | Cmaj7 | C – E – G – B | relative major |
| iv | Dm | D – F – A | Dm7 | D – F – A – C | subdominant |
| v | Em | E – G – B | Em7 | E – G – B – D | dominant (minor) |
| VI | F | F – A – C | Fmaj7 | F – A – C – E | submediant |
| VII | G | G – B – D | G7 | G – B – D – F | subtonic |
In minor keys the v chord (Em) is often replaced by a major V (E: E – G♯ – B). It borrows the raised 7th (G♯) from the harmonic minor scale and pulls strongly back to Am.
Common chord progressions in A minor
| Numerals | Chords in A minor |
|---|---|
| i – VI – III – VII | Am – F – C – G |
| i – VII – VI – VII | Am – G – F – G |
| i – iv – VI – V | Am – Dm – F – E |
| i – iv – v – i | Am – Dm – Em – Am |
Play them in the circle above, or get progressions from real songs in the chord progressions by genre tool.
Related keys
- Relative major: C major (same notes, different home chord).
- Parallel major: A major (same root; borrow chords from it for colour).
- Neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths: D minor and E minor, one accidental away, for smooth key changes.
The Chord Progression MIDI Pack
72 progressions from hit songs and moods, in all 12 keys: 864 MIDI files for any DAW. Plus The Songwriter's Cheat Sheet (PDF).
Your downloads are ready. The links are on their way to your inbox too.
DOWNLOAD MIDI PACK → CHEAT SHEET PDFWant the same progressions as 7th chords, piano stabs, arpeggios, ballad piano and pads? See MIDI Pack PRO ($9) →
Skip the transposing
MIDI Pack PRO has 113 chord progressions from hit songs, standards and moods in all 12 keys and 6 playing styles (block chords, 7ths, piano stabs, arpeggios, ballad piano, pads): 8,136 MIDI files for $9. The Song Starter MIDI Kit adds bass and drums.
Quick answers
What chords are in the key of A minor?
The chords in A minor are Am, B°, C, Dm, Em, F, G, plus E as a major V chord. As 7th chords: Am7, Bm7♭5, Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G7.
How many sharps are in A minor?
A minor has no sharps or flats.
What is the relative major of A minor?
C major. Both keys use the same notes and key signature (no sharps or flats).
What is the v chord in A minor?
The natural v chord is Em (E – G – B); most songs use the major V, E (E – G♯ – B).