Mandolin · Level 4 · Beginner
The minor pop progression in C minor on Mandolin
Don’t just read about The minor pop progression in C minor. Play it.
Create a free TempoJam account in 30 seconds. Then try the tuner, metronome and Jam Room free for 14 days and record your first take tonight.
i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII is the minor-key twin of the four-chord pop progression. It drives many emotional pop and rock songs.
Cm
Notes: C · E♭ · G
A♭
Notes: A♭ · C · E♭
E♭
Notes: E♭ · G · B♭
B♭
Notes: B♭ · D · F
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: Cm, A♭, E♭ and B♭. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- Mandolin frets are close together, so reach with the fingertips and press each pair of strings evenly.
- Set the tempo to 57 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Keep the rhythm driving; this progression relies on momentum.
- Strum down on every beat, then try the bluegrass “chop”: a short, muted strum on beats two and four.
- Raise the tempo to 76 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
- Record one take, listen back and check for the brighter lift on the major ♭III and ♭VII.
Listen for
Aim for the brighter lift on the major ♭III and ♭VII. A common mistake is slowing down on the major chords.
Why it works
These are the same chords as vi–IV–I–V in the relative major, heard from the minor chord's point of view.
C minor has 3 flats; its relative major key is E♭ major.
Questions
What are the chords in i–♭VI–♭III–♭VII in C minor?
In C minor the progression is Cm | A♭ | E♭ | B♭.
What is the key signature of C minor?
C minor has 3 flats. Its relative major is E♭ major.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 4 lesson (beginner). If it feels too hard, start with “The Andalusian cadence”.
Your hands learn faster than your eyes.
Reading a chord chart is step one. Play it to a metronome, record it, and hear yourself get better, all in one app.
Start practising free