C#m chord (Db minor) on guitar
How to finger C#m, which notes it contains and which chords it is played with. Tap the diagram to hear it, then play it below in a progression with other chords.
About the C#m chord
C#m is Db minor. Notes: Db – Ab – E. Formula: 1 – ♭3 – 5.
Difficulty: barre (3 out of 3). It needs a barre: one finger pressing several strings, which is practised separately. Beginners need it less often, but it adds a distinct colour to accompaniment and makes the sound richer.
How to place your fingers
- Barre at fret 4: one finger presses strings 5–1
- Other fingers: string 4 (D) — fret 6; string 3 (G) — fret 6; string 2 (B) — fret 5
- Do not play (mute): string 6 (E)
This chord is played higher up the neck (around fret 4), not in open position.
Where it appears
C#m is found in these keys: E (vi), B (ii), A (iii).
Progressions with C#m
Every progression starts on C#m and all its chords come from one key, so the changes sound natural. Play them in the block above; the Roman numerals show each chord's degree.
Try it in practice
Practise chord changes