What is C Minor 7?
The C Minor 7 guitar chord is formed by the notes C – Eb – G – Bb and is played using the fingering x35343. It’s a minor chord commonly used in Cm7-F7-Bbmaj7.
C Minor 7 Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: 3th fret
4th (D) string: 5th fret
3rd (G) string: 3th fret
2nd (B) string: 4th fret
1st (E) string: 3th fret
How to Play C Minor 7
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x35343.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
C Minor 7 Variations
Cm7add9
x35333
Adds the 9th for extra color
Cm7/Eb
x65343
First inversion with Eb in bass
Popular Songs Using C Minor 7
Famous Examples:
- • Autumn Leaves
- • All of Me
More Hits:
- • Summertime
- • Blue Moon
Common Chord Progressions with C Minor 7
Cm7-F7-Bbmaj7
Classic ii-V-I progression in Bb major
Fm7-Cm7-G7-Cm7
Minor blues progression
Cm7-Dm7b5-G7-Cm7
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for C Minor 7
1. Barre Chord Technique
Requires good barre technique - practice slowly
2. Blues and Jazz Essential
Important for blues and jazz progressions
Common Substitutions for C Minor 7
Music Theory Behind C Minor 7
Notes in C Minor 7: C - Eb - G - Bb
Scale: C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb - C
Key Signature: Three flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)
Relative Major: Ebmaj7
Cm7 is a minor 7th chord built on the C minor triad with the added minor 7th (Bb). It's essential for blues and jazz harmony.
Related Chords to Learn
Master C Minor 7 Today!
C Minor 7 is a stepping stone to advanced playing. Take your time and practice regularly!