C♯ Minor Guitar Chord (C♯m)
C♯ minor is a three-note chord built from C♯ (the root), E (the minor third), and G♯ (the perfect fifth). It has the shadowed, melancholy color minor chords are known for. It is the home chord of the key of C♯ minor and shows up in everything from folk laments to metal riffs. Below are 4 ways to play it in standard tuning, easiest shape first.
C♯m chord shapes — standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2, your ring finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 2, and your pinky finger on the A (5th) string at fret 4. Keep the low E (6th) and high E (1st) strings 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 C♯m in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More C♯ chords
Nearby minor chords
C♯m FAQ
What notes are in C♯m?
C♯m contains C♯, E, and G♯ — the root (C♯), the minor third, and the perfect fifth.
Is C♯m a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest C♯m shape (x-4-2-1-2-x) needs no barre — it uses 4 fingers. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 4, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play C♯m on guitar?
Start with the 1fr shape x-4-2-1-2-x. Place your index finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2, your ring finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 2, and your pinky finger on the A (5th) string at fret 4. Keep the low E (6th) and high E (1st) strings out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.