The A# minor family chords (also enharmonically B♭ minor) are derived from the A# minor scale.
Chord Structure in A# Minor
A# Minor (i)
Notes: A#, C#, E#
The tonic chord, establishing the minor feel.
B# Diminished (ii°)
Notes: B#, D#, F#
A diminished chord, creating tension and leading to resolution.
C# Major (III)
Notes: C#, E#, G#
A major chord, adding brightness and relief.
D# Minor (iv)
Notes: D#, F#, A#
A minor chord, contributing to the melancholic minor tonality.
E# Minor (v)
Notes: E#, G#, B#
Often a transitional chord. (In harmonic minor, this becomes E# Major.)
F# Major (VI)
Notes: F#, A#, C#
The relative major chord, offering a contrasting brightness.
G# Major (VII)
Notes: G#, B#, D#
A dominant chord leading back to the tonic.
Variations: Harmonic and Melodic Minor
In real-world usage, harmonic and melodic minor scales are often used to add tension and interest.
A# Harmonic Minor Scale:
Notes: A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#
Changes:
The v chord (E# Minor) becomes V (E# Major).
The VII (G# Major) becomes G# Diminished (vii°).
A# Melodic Minor Scale (Ascending)
Notes: A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#
Changes:
The iv (D# Minor) becomes IV (D# Major).
The v (E# Minor) becomes V (E# Major).
Common Progressions in A# Minor:
i - iv - v - i (A# Minor - D# Minor - E# Minor - A# Minor)
Classic minor progression.
i - VI - VII - i (A# Minor - F# Major - G# Major - A# Minor)
Popular in pop and rock music.
i - V - VI - IV (A# Minor - E# Major - F# Major - D# Major)
Combines harmonic and melodic minor elements.