C# Minor
Piano scale diagramBeginner
C# Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Minor scale, also known as the Aeolian mode or natural minor, is the standard for expressing melancholy, introspection, and drama. On Piano, its notes are C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B. Its sound is darker and more somber than the major scale, widely used in songwriting to evoke deep emotional narratives and serving as the foundation of traditional minor-key compositions. The diatonic chords of C# Minor are C#m7, D#m7b5, Emaj7, F#m7, G#m7, Amaj7, B7. Commonly used in Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B. Notable players include Metallica, Adele, Beethoven. Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.
Notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: aeolian
Diatonic Chords
C#m7 — D#m7♭5 — Emaj7 — F#m7 — G#m7 — Amaj7 — B7
Musical Character
The relative minor of any major key shares the same notes but starts on the 6th degree, allowing composers to shift mood without changing key signature.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B
Notable players: Metallica, Adele, Beethoven
How to Use the C# Minor Scale
Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.
Origin & Background
The natural minor or Aeolian mode. The emotional counterpart to the major scale since the Renaissance.
Related Scales
Minor is the 6th mode of the Major scale (Aeolian). View C# Major scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VI – III – VII (Cinematic Minor)Contemporary / Film — Dramatic & Dark
The C# Minor scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.