How to play Cm on guitar (and easier ways)
Cm is an Am-shape barre at the 3rd fret. There is no comfortable open shape.
The 3D hands holding Cm. 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 3.
- Ring finger (3) on the D (4th) string, fret 5.
- Pinky finger (4) on the G (3rd) string, fret 5.
- Middle finger (2) on the B (2nd) string, fret 4.
- Do not play low E (6th).
Notes in the chord: C – G – Eb
Tips
- Mute the low E with the index tip.
- Place the ring, pinky and middle as a block, then lay the barre.
- For songs that live in Cm, a capo is often the easiest answer.
Easier ways to play Cm
Cm (small, 4 strings)
x x 5 5 4 3
Four strings, no barre.
With a capo
Capo 3 and play an Am shape for the same pitch. Work out other keys with the capo calculator.
Practise Cm inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses Cm, 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