C♯m Chord

How to play C♯m, step by step

1. 1Lay your index finger flat across the 5 strings from the A down to the high E at the 4th fret — this is the barre, and it works like a movable nut.
2. 2Put your ring finger on the 6th fret of the D string (4th).
3. 3Put your little finger on the 6th fret of the G string (3rd).
4. 4Put your middle finger on the 5th fret of the B string (2nd).
5. 5Leave the low E string out — mute it with the side of a finger, or just avoid it as you strum.
6. 6Strum slowly and check every string sounds cleanly; if one buzzes, press closer to the fret wire and arch your fingers so they clear the neighbouring strings.

An easier way to play C♯m

C♯m normally needs a barre, which is the single most common place beginners stall. A capo removes it entirely.

What makes a minor chord

Darker and more reflective than major; the 3rd drops a semitone.

Which keys use C♯m?

C♯m appears in these keys, so a song built on it is most likely in one of them. Each page shows the full chord set and the easiest capo position.

• Key of A
• Key of E
• Key of B
• Key of F♯m
• Key of C♯m
• Key of G♯m

Other C♯ chords

Same root, different colour. Swapping one of these into a progression is the quickest way to change its mood without changing the key.

Every minor chord

The same shape moved around the neck. If you can play C♯m you are a fret-slide away from all of these.

• Cm
• Dm
• E♭m
• Em
• Fm
• F♯m
• Gm
• A♭m
• Am
• B♭m
• Bm

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯m chord?

C♯m is made of C♯, E, G♯ — the root, minor 3rd, 5th of C♯.

Is C♯m hard to play?

C♯m is usually played as a barre chord at the 4th fret, which takes some hand strength. An easier route is a capo on fret 4 and the open Am shape — it sounds identical.

How do I play C♯m without a barre?

Put a capo on fret 4 and play the open Am shape. The capo raises every string by 4 semitones, so the shape sounds as C♯m while your hand does far less work.