C#m chord on piano
C Sharp Minor, also written Dbm. Notes: C#, E and G#.
How to play C#m
- Find C# at or above middle C. That is the root.
- Add E and G# above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky). Left hand: 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
Notes
C#m inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
C# · E · G#1st inversion
E · G# · C#2nd inversion
G# · C# · ENotes and theory
The minor triad swaps the major third for a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder color. The formula is 1 b3 5, and you will also see it written as C#min and C#-.
Keys that use C#m
More C# chords
All C# piano chordsminor chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the C#m chord?
C#m (C sharp minor) is made of three notes: C# (root), E (minor third) and G# (perfect fifth).
How do you play C#m on piano?
Play C#, E and G# together. With the right hand use fingers 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky); with the left hand use 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
What are the inversions of C#m?
Root position: C# E G#. 1st inversion: E G# C#. 2nd inversion: G# C# E.
What is the difference between C#m and C#?
Only the third changes. C# major uses a major third and sounds bright; C# minor lowers that note by a half step, which makes it sound darker. The root and the fifth stay the same.
What key is C#m in?
C#m belongs to 6 keys: E major (as the vi chord), A major (as the iii chord), B major (as the ii chord), C sharp minor (as the i chord), F sharp minor (as the v chord) and G sharp minor (as the iv chord).
What does a minor chord sound like?
The minor triad swaps the major third for a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder color.