C Sharp Minor Chord

How to play C♯m on guitar

Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.

Easier way: there is no open C♯m shape, so it is usually played with one of the movable shapes above. With a capo you can use a shape you already know: capo on fret 4 and play the Am shape.

How to play C♯m on piano

Play C♯, E, G♯ together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on C♯). Your left hand can play C♯ an octave lower for a fuller sound.

Chords in the key of C♯ minor

These seven chords are built from the C♯ minor scale (C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B), so they all sound at home next to C♯m.

Common progressions in C♯ minor

• i - VI - III - VII: C♯m - A - E - B
• i - iv - v - i: C♯m - F♯m - G♯m - C♯m
• i - VII - VI - VII: C♯m - B - A - B

The relative major of C♯ minor is E. Both keys use the same notes. On the Camelot wheel, C♯ minor is 12A.

Related chords

• C♯ (C sharp major)
• C♯7 (C sharp seventh)
• C♯maj7 (C sharp major seventh)
• C♯m7 (C sharp minor seventh)
• C♯sus4 (C sharp suspended fourth)
• All chords in the library

Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.