How to play the C# minor chord on guitar
C# minor (C#m) in standard tuning (EADGBE). Play the shape x46654 from the low E string to the high E string. The chord tones are C#, E, G#, and the lowest sounding note is C#.
Fingering chart
| String | Fret | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (low E) | Muted | Not played |
| 5th (A) | 4 | C# |
| 4th (D) | 6 | G# |
| 3rd (G) | 6 | C# |
| 2nd (B) | 5 | E |
| 1st (high E) | 4 | G# |
Notes and intervals
Formula 1 b3 5. This shape sounds each chord tone.
| Note | Degree | Interval from C# | In this shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| C# | 1 | Root (0 semitones) | Yes |
| E | b3 | Minor 3rd (3 semitones) | Yes |
| G# | 5 | Perfect 5th (7 semitones) | Yes |
Changing chords from C#m
C#m sounds five strings with one string muted: five fretted positions between frets 4 and 6. The quickest changes leave fretted notes where they are, so the hand pivots instead of lifting off the neck. These are the chords in this library that share the most fretted notes with the C#m shape.
- C#m to F#m: keep one fretted note in place (5th string fret 4), five new positions to fret.
Related chords
Relative major
- E: Relative major of C# minor