C#m Chord
The C#m is a minor chord that sounds darker, more melancholic, and expressive. Minor chords add emotional depth and drama. The lowered third gives them their characteristic bittersweet quality, making them essential for blues, rock, and emotional ballads.
Open Position
Chord Diagrams
Position — Fret 9
Uses a barre chord technique
Barre Shape — Fret 4
Uses a barre chord technique
How to Play C#m
Follow these steps for the open position fingering:
| # | String | Instruction | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low E (6th string) | ●Fret 9 with your index finger | C# |
| 2 | A (5th string) | ●Fret 11 with your ring finger | E |
| 3 | D (4th string) | ●Fret 11 with your pinky finger | G# |
| 4 | G (3rd string) | ●Fret 9 with your index finger | C# |
| 5 | B (2nd string) | ●Fret 9 with your index finger | E |
| 6 | High E (1st string) | ●Fret 9 with your index finger | G# |
○ = Open string (no fingers needed)
✕ = Muted string (don't play)
● = Press your finger down firmly just behind the fret
Notes in C#m
The C#m chord is built from 3 distinct notes, each serving a harmonic role:
Songs Using C#m
These songs from our play-along library feature the C#m chord:
Other C# Chords
Explore other chord types built on the same root note:
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