Minor Chords (Junior Cert Music): Revision Notes

Minor Chords

• Minor chords are usually three-note chords (triads) that have a sadder, darker, or more emotional sound than major chords.
• Like major chords, they are built from triads — three notes: the root, the third, and the fifth.
• Minor chords are often used to add contrast and emotion in music, and are especially common in pop, classical, folk, and film music.

What Makes a Chord Minor?

• In a minor chord, the interval between the root and the third is a minor third (3 semitones).
• This is smaller than the interval in a major chord, where the root and third are 4 semitones apart.
• The interval between the third and fifth in a minor chord is a major third (4 semitones).

Where Are Minor Chords Found in a Major Scale?

• Minor chords are built on the:
  • 2nd note
  • 3rd note
  • 6th note
• In the C major scale (C – D – E – F – G – A – B), the minor chords are:
  • D minor (ii)
  • E minor (iii)
  • A minor (vi)

How Are Minor Chords Labelled?

Minor chords are shown in two ways:

1. Chord Symbols: Use a capital letter for the root note, followed by a lowercase "m" to show it's minor.

Examples: Dm, Em, Am

2. Roman Numerals: Use lowercase numerals to show that the chord is minor and its position in the scale.

Examples: ii, iii, vi

C Major Chord Bank

Chord Symbol	C	Dm	Em	F	G	Am	B°
Roman Numeral	I	ii	iii	IV	V	vi	vii°

• Dm, Em, and Am are the minor chords in the key of C major.