C♯ minor 7th chord on bass (C♯m7)

Why it sounds like that

C♯ minor 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, ♭7. The minor 7th interval from C♯ to B gives the chord its mellow, unresolved character. Compare it with C♯ minor, which omits the B.

What goes wrong with C♯ minor 7th?

• Letting the pinky flatten and mute the 2nd string.
• Allowing the ring finger to touch the 1st string and damp the G♯.
• Strumming before the pinky is fully fretted, causing a buzz on the 3rd string.

When to use it

C♯ minor 7th functions as the vi chord in E major, appearing in progressions like E–B–C♯m–A (I–V–vi–IV). It suits rock ballads and soul, often paired with E major and A major.

Changing to and from C♯ minor 7th

• Sliding the shape down two frets to the 7th fret gives B minor 7th.
• From C♯ minor 7th, move the pinky from the 11th fret to the 12th fret on the A string to form D minor 7th.

Which voicing to use

Use the 9th-fret voicing for a root-position C♯ minor 7th with a low C♯. The C♯m7/G♯ inversion at the 4th fret places the fifth in the bass for a smoother sound, while the C♯m7/B inversion at the 7th fret puts the seventh in the bass for a descending line.