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Chord chart for C♯m Guitar Chord (C♯ minor): Notes, Shapes & How to Play | Guitar Wiz

C♯ minor guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 55 playable shapes

C♯ minor guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions
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About the chord

C♯ minor guitar chord

C♯m is the C♯ minor guitar chord. It uses the notes C♯, E, and G♯ and the interval formula 1-♭3-5.

The C♯ minor minor chord, composed of the root (C♯ minor), minor third E, and perfect fifth G♯, evokes a melancholic or introspective emotion. The lowered third E gives it a somber, contemplative quality, contrasting with the major chord’s brightness, and is often used to express depth and emotional complexity.

Also written as C♯min.

Root note: C♯
Quality: minor
Chord tones: 3
Playable shapes: 55

Chord tones

C♯EG♯

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

x46654

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string and 5th string in barre position.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string.
  5. 5 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 2

x46650

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string.
  5. 5 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

C♯ Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

E Minor Third ♭3

This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.

G♯ Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

Quick answers

What notes are in C♯m?

C♯m uses the notes C♯, E, and G♯. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-5.

What is another name for C♯m?

C♯m is also written as C♯min.

How do you play C♯m on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string and 5th string in barre position. Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string. Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string. Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string. Strum from the 5th string down.

Related Articles

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.