minor Key Chords

This lesson shows you the minor key chords (7th chords) in notation and tab. We'll use the key of A minor, yet keep in mind that the qualities (types) of chords are the same for every minor key. 7th chords are 4 note chords (the triad - R-3-5, plus the 7th).

The Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic forms are shown.

Download pdf of Triads and 7ths

Some of the voicings above are playable as a block, and some are not. All can be arpeggiated (broken and fingered individually - articulated as though your are playing a chord like a scale - one tone after another). As for arpeggios, the top note can more easily be played by moving it down a string.

The minor key chords above are all in root position, meaning that the root is the lowest tone in the chord. Some chords such as the E7 use cross-stringing, where a lower tone is on a higher string, while a higher tone is on a lower string (one meaning of cross-stringing).

For an explantion of 3 forms of minor, consult one of these lessons (we won't repeat information here). Source One and Two (lessons on this site).

Reminder: minor any and everything is ultimately a modification of the Major mode.

To Do

• Play the chord scales in order (1-2-3-4-5-6-7 respectively).
• Create progressions, i.e. im7-ivm7-v7-im7.
• Play progressions in all forms.
• Mix and Invent

The Complete minor Key Chords Set

• i7 = Am7
• imM7 = AmM7
• iim75= Bm75
• iim7 = Bm7
• IIIM7 = CM7
• III+M7 = C+M7 (also written CM7+)
• ivm7 = Dm7
• IV7 = D7
• v7 = Em7
• V7 = E7
• bVIM7 = FM7
• vim75 = F#m75
• bVII7 = G7
• viio7 = G#dim7 (G#o7)

The flat in front of the VI and VII chords are there because we've paralleled (compared) these chords to the Major diatonic set.

More on minor key chords - triads
More on minor key chords - A minor in Fretboard Frames