C minor scale on piano - notes, fingering and chords

How to play the C minor scale

Right hand: start on C with finger 1, then tuck your thumb under to play F.

Left hand: start on C with finger 5, then cross finger 3 over your thumb to play A♭.

Coming down, use the same fingers in reverse order. Start with each hand alone at a slow tempo, and play hands together only once both feel even.

Most music in C minor uses G ( G B D) for the V chord instead, borrowed from the harmonic minor. Its raised note pulls strongly back to C.

Natural minor: C D E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C. Uses only the notes of the key signature, the same notes as its relative major.

Harmonic minor: C D E♭ F G A♭ B C. Raises the 7th note by a half step, which gives the scale its strong pull back to the tonic.

Melodic minor: C D E♭ F G A B C. Raises the 6th and 7th going up, then comes down as the natural minor.