Minor Chord Progression is a little more complicated than a chord progression in a major key because there are three forms of the minor scale. These three forms are called Natural minor, Harmonic minor and Melodic minor. In order to know which chords to use with these scales, you must first understand how they are constructed.

The "Natural Minor Scale" is formed by flatting the 3rd, 6th, and 7th notes of the major scale. For example, the "A" natural minor scale is: A B C D E F G A. The chords that result from this form of the minor scale must contain notes that are consistent with the notes in the scale. In other words, since the scale has no sharps or flats, the chords that result from the scale must also have no sharps or flats. When we build chords based on these scale tones, we get these chords: Am Bdim C Dm Em F G. Play these chords and you will see that they are made up entirely of "white keys"--no sharps or flats.

If we alter the notes in the Natural Minor scale, we must also alter the notes in the resulting chords, and we have different chords.

The "Harmonic Minor Scale" is formed by sharping the 7th note of the Natural Minor Scale. Thus the "A" Harmonic Minor Scale is: A B C D E F G# A .When we sharp the "G's", the chords resulting from the harmonic minor scale are: Am Bdim Caug Dm E F G#dim. Play these chords and you will see that whenever a "G" occurs in a chord, that G is sharp.

The "Melodic Minor Scale", often known as the "Jazz Minor Scale" is formed by raising the 6th and 7th notes of the Natural Minor Scale. To continue with our examples in the key of "A", the notes would be: A B C D E F# G# A. If we sharp the "F's" and the "G's", the following chords would result: Am Bm Caug D E F#dim G#dim. It is important to understand that the Melodic minor scale takes this form when ascending, but reverts to the natural minor scale when descending. The chords, therefore, must reflect that change.

Transposing to other keys: In order to determine the chords for minor scales in keys other than "A" minor, you must know the key signatures of all of the major scales. Beginning musicians will often dismiss or postpone the memorizing of the key signatures in favor of more "exciting" musical pursuits. The key signatures, however, are the very BASIS of music construction. Memorize them NOW. It is not that difficult. Once you know the major scale key signature, you can follow the above described formulas to create all three forms of the minor scale in any key. Then just plug the names of the notes into the chord patterns outlined for the key of A minor.

I have created printable charts for all of the chords for the three forms of the minor scale in all 12 minor keys. These charts are written in both piano notation and guitar chord symbols. You can see them here: www.may-studio-music-lessons.com/minor-chord-progression.html

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