How to play C#m on guitar (and easier ways)
C#m is an Am-shape barre at the 4th fret, and it shows up in many songs in E and A.
The 3D hands holding C#m. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Index finger (1) lies across the 5 strings from the A (5th) to the high E (1st) at fret 4.
- Ring finger (3) on the D (4th) string, fret 6.
- Pinky finger (4) on the G (3rd) string, fret 6.
- Middle finger (2) on the B (2nd) string, fret 5.
- Do not play low E (6th).
Notes in the chord: C# – G# – E
Tips
- Mute the low E with the index tip.
- Higher up the neck the frets are closer together, so the fingers can stay compact.
- Practise it against E and A. The index can slide along the strings between shapes.
Easier ways to play C#m
C#m (open)
x x 2 1 2 0
No barre; the open 1st string is the E of the chord.
With a capo
Capo 4 and play an Am shape for the same pitch. Work out other keys with the capo calculator.
Practise C#m inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses C#m, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
Open the player