Violin · Level 2 · First steps

Minor chords in a major key on Violin

vi–ii–iii–vi in all 12 keys.

Don’t just read about Minor chords in a major key on Violin. 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.

Start freeI teach musicFree account. No card needed to join.
THE SHORT ANSWER

Every major key contains three minor chords, on its second, third and sixth notes. Learning them gives you the darker colours that make a progression more interesting.

Choose a key

C majorAm · Dm · Em · AmD♭ majorB♭m · E♭m · Fm · B♭mD majorBm · Em · F♯m · BmE♭ majorCm · Fm · Gm · CmE majorC♯m · F♯m · G♯m · C♯mF majorDm · Gm · Am · DmF♯ majorD♯m · G♯m · A♯m · D♯mG majorEm · Am · Bm · EmA♭ majorFm · B♭m · Cm · FmA majorF♯m · Bm · C♯m · F♯mB♭ majorGm · Cm · Dm · GmB majorG♯m · C♯m · D♯m · G♯m

Listen first: C major

Am

A minor

Notes: A · C · E

G 1G 3D 1A open
String and finger, first position

Dm

D minor

Notes: D · F · A

D openD 2A openA 3
String and finger, first position

Em

E minor

Notes: E · G · B

D 1D 3A 1E open
String and finger, first position
1
Am
2
Dm
3
Em
4
Am

Why it works

The chords ii, iii and vi are minor because the third above each root is three semitones, not four.

On another instrument

Minor chords in a major key on Guitar →Minor chords in a major key on Piano →Minor chords in a major key on Ukulele →Minor chords in a major key on Mandolin →Minor chords in a major key on Banjo →Minor chords in a major key on Flute →

Ready to play it for real?

Create my free accountI’m a music teacher
Free account. No card needed to join.