Here’s a chart for all minor key families with their diatonic chords (using the natural minor scale).
Here’s a breakdown of common chord progressions using diatonic chords in minor keys. These progressions are widely used in pop, rock, jazz, film scores, and classical music.
1. Basic Progressions
i – iv – v – i (Classic Minor Progression)
Example in A Minor: Am – Dm – Em – Am
i – VI – VII – i (Very common in rock, folk, EDM)
Example in E Minor: Em – C – D – Em
i – VII – VI – VII (Sad but strong)
Example in C Minor: Cm – Bb – Ab – Bb
2. Emotional & Cinematic Progressions
i – v – VI – VII (Dramatic & Emotional)
Example in G Minor: Gm – Dm – Eb – F
i – VI – III – VII (Epic and uplifting)
Example in D Minor: Dm – Bb – F – C
i – iv – VII – III (Alternative and Gothic)
Example in F Minor: Fm – Bbm – Eb – Ab
3. Dark & Intense Progressions
i – V – i (Suspenseful & Dark)
Example in C# Minor: C#m – G# – C#m
i – iv – v – VI (Haunting & Mysterious)
Example in A Minor: Am – Dm – Em – F
i – VII – VI – V (Dramatic & Powerful)
Example in E Minor: Em – D – C – B
4. Melodic & Harmonic Minor Variations
i – IV – V (Harmonic Minor Feel)
Example in A Minor: Am – D – E
i – III – VII – VI (Melodic Minor Inspired, Film Score Style)
Example in C Minor: Cm – Eb – Bb – Ab
i – v – iv – III (Suspenseful & Jazz-like)
Example in D Minor: Dm – Am – Gm – F
5. Jazz & Bluesy Minor Progressions
ii° – V – i (Jazz Standard in Minor)
Example in B Minor: C#° – F# – Bm
i – IV – VII – III (Bluesy & Soulful)
Example in G Minor: Gm – C – F – Bb
i – VI – II7 – V7 (Tango Style)
Example in A Minor: Am – F – B7 – E7
6. Minor Key Cadences (Chord Endings)
Authentic Cadence (V – i): E → Am (Strong resolution)
Plagal Cadence (iv – i): Dm → Am (Soft & mellow)
Deceptive Cadence (V – VI): E → F (Surprising turn)
Half Cadence (ends on V): Am → E (Creates tension)