C Minor Guitar Chord (Cm)
C minor is a three-note chord built from C (the root), E♭ (the minor third), and G (the perfect fifth). It trades the major third for a minor third, and that one semitone changes everything — the chord turns darker, more inward, more serious. Below are 4 ways to play it in standard tuning, easiest shape first.
Cm chord shapes — standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your ring finger on the A (5th) string at fret 3, and your pinky finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 3. Let the G (3rd) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.
Once that shape is comfortable, try the other 3 voicings above — same notes, different neck positions and textures.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | C |
| ♭3 | minor third | E♭ |
| 5 | perfect fifth | G |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see Cm in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More C chords
Nearby minor chords
Cm FAQ
What notes are in Cm?
Cm contains C, E♭, and G — the root (C), the minor third, and the perfect fifth.
Is Cm a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest Cm shape (x-3-1-0-1-3) needs no barre — it uses 4 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 3, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play Cm on guitar?
Start with the open position shape x-3-1-0-1-3. Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your ring finger on the A (5th) string at fret 3, and your pinky finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 3. Let the G (3rd) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.