Also written C♯5, C♯ or C♯ power chord
C♯ 5th contains C♯ and G♯. The 4th fret position requires a two-fret stretch, making it an intermediate power chord.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C♯ 5th is built from the root and perfect fifth. It omits the third, so it is neither major nor minor. Compare it to C♯ major, which adds E♯.
C♯ 5th is the tonic in C♯ major progressions like C♯–F♯–G♯, the I–IV–V. It suits rock and metal bass lines that need a driving root-fifth pattern. Try it with F♯ major and G♯ major.
The 4th fret position is the standard choice, but the 9th fret voicing offers a brighter tone. The C♯5/G♯ inversion puts the fifth in the bass, which can create a smoother bass line.
C♯ 5th is played at the 4th fret as × 4 6 6: index finger on the A string at fret 4, middle finger on the D string at fret 6 and ring finger on the G string at fret 6. The E string stays muted.
Tip — The stretch from the 4th to the 6th fret across three strings requires finger independence.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
C♯ 5th is played at the 9th fret as 9 11 11 ×: index finger on the E string at fret 9, middle finger on the A string at fret 11 and ring finger on the D string at fret 11. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
C♯ 5th is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 6 6: index finger on the E string at fret 4, middle finger on the A string at fret 4, ring finger on the D string at fret 6 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 6.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 1 | G♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 3 | G♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
C♯ 5th is written as C♯5 or C#5. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
C♯ 5th has only C♯ and G♯, while C♯ major adds E♯. The missing third makes C♯ 5th neither major nor minor.
No barre is needed for C♯ 5th. Use separate fingers for the fretted notes.