A Minor Family Chords
The A minor family of chords consists of chords that are related to the A minor scale. From the notes of the A minor scale, you can build a triad (three-note chord) on each scale degree. These are: Triads in A minor : A minor (Am): A - C - E (root chord) B diminished (Bdim): B - D - F C major (C): C - E - G D minor (Dm): D - F - A E minor (Em): E - G - B F major (F): F - A - C G major (G): G - B - D Adding a 7th to each triad creates more complex chords: Seventh Chords in A Minor: Am7: A - C - E - G Bm7♭5 (half-diminished): B - D - F - A Cmaj7: C - E - G - B Dm7: D - F - A - C Em7: E - G - B - D Fmaj7: F - A - C - E G7: G - B - D - F. Here are a few examples of progressions using chords in the A minor family: Typical Progressions in A Minor: Am - Dm - E - Am (natural minor) Am - F - G - Am (natural minor) Am - G - F - E (harmonic minor for E major or E7) How They Work Together Am (tonic): The "home" chord of the key. E or E7 (dominant): Provides tension and resolution back to Am. F and G: Borrowed from natural minor, giving a sense of movement. Dm (subdominant): A smooth transition chord.