C♯ minor (C♯m) chord on piano

Looking for the C♯m chord on piano? It is a minor triad, made of three notes: C♯ – E – G♯. The same chord with a different spelling: D♭ minor (D♭m).

Root position: C♯4 – E4 – G♯4

Chord finder Transposer

What the C♯m chord sounds like

A minor triad differs from a major one only in the third: it has a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder colour. In a major key, chords ii, iii and vi are minor.

Notes of the C♯m chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C♯	root
3	E	minor third (3 semitones)
5	G♯	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

C♯4 – E4 – G♯4

1st inversion

E4 – G♯4 – C♯5

2nd inversion

G♯4 – C♯5 – E5

Which keys is it in?

The C♯m chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

C♯ minor: i (tonic)
F♯ minor: v (dominant)
G♯ minor: iv (subdominant)
A major: iii
E major: vi
B major: ii

Similar chords and substitutes

If C♯m is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

E – relative major: two shared notes
A – the major chord a major third below: two shared notes
C♯m7 – a fuller, softer minor colour

Richer versions

C♯m7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
C♯m6 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
C♯m9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯m chord?

C♯, E, G♯. The root is C♯; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, perfect fifth.

How do I play the C♯m chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the C♯m chord written?

The chord symbol is C♯m (also written C#m), and its full name is C♯ minor.