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Chord & Fret

Cm7 — minor seventh

Notes on C: C – Eb – G – BbFormula: 1 – b3 – 5 – b7

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The m7 is the minor triad with a minor seventh. It softens the triad and is one of the most versatile chords in tonal harmony.

The same chord on all four instruments

Cm7, x 3 5 3 4 3Cm713121×CGBbEbG
Guitar
Cm7, x 3 5 3 4 3Cm713121×CGBbEbG
Electric guitar
Cm7, 1 3 1 1Cm71423EbBbCEb
Cavaquinho
Cm7, 3 3 3 3Cm71111BbEbGC
Ukulele

Where to use it: In pop and MPB it is the most common 'support' minor chord — the one that holds the harmony together without calling attention to itself. A classic example is Dm7 calling for G7 in the key of C, that is, setting the stage for the music to return to its main chord.

See Cm7 voicings on the fretboard →See Cm7 voicings on the fretboard →See Cm7 voicings on the fretboard →See Cm7 voicings on the fretboard →

The shapes of Cm7 don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.

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Part of the Sevenths family.

Other chords in this family

Cmaj7C7Cm(maj7)Cm7(b5)Cdim7

See all chord types and qualities →