Explore chords · Bass
C♯ minor chord on bass (C♯m)
Also called or written C♯m or C♯min
C♯ minor contains the notes C♯, E, and G♯. This 9th-fret shape is a movable four-string voicing that suits intermediate players.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5
- Root positionC♯–E–G♯C♯m9-11-11-9
- First inversionE–G♯–C♯C♯m/E12-11-11-13
- Second inversionG♯–C♯–EC♯m/G♯4-4-2-×
How do you play a C♯ minor chord on bass?
C♯ minor is played at the 9th fret as 9 11 11 9: index finger on the E string at fret 9, ring finger on the A string at fret 11, pinky finger on the D string at fret 11 and middle finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 3 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (♭3) |
IntermediateThe stretch between the index finger on the 9th fret and the ring and pinky on the 11th fret requires comfortable finger independence.
C♯min/E inversion
C♯ minor is played at the 11th fret as 12 11 11 13: ring finger on the E string at fret 12, index finger on the A string at fret 11, middle finger on the D string at fret 11 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 13.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 1 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 13 | 4 | G♯ (5) |
C♯min/G♯ inversion · fret 2
C♯ minor is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 2 ×: middle finger on the E string at fret 4, ring finger on the A string at fret 4 and index finger on the D string at fret 2. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
C♯min/G♯ inversion · fret 9
C♯ minor is played at the 9th fret as × 11 11 9: middle finger on the A string at fret 11, ring finger on the D string at fret 11 and index finger on the G string at fret 9. The E string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (♭3) |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ minor is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, with the ♭3 (E) giving it its minor quality. The interval from C♯ to E is a minor 3rd, and from C♯ to G♯ is a perfect 5th. Compared to C♯ major, the third is lowered by one semitone.
What goes wrong with C♯ minor?
- Letting the middle finger flatten onto the 1st string and mute it.
- Pressing the ring finger too far from the fret, causing the 3rd string to buzz.
- Striking the strings too hard and losing the clarity of the inner notes.
When to use it
C♯ minor is the vi chord in E major, appearing in progressions like E–B–C♯m–A (I–V–vi–IV). C♯ minor suits rock, metal, and pop lines where a sharp-key minor adds edge.
Changing to and from C♯ minor
- Move to B minor by sliding the shape down two frets to the 7th fret.
- Move to D minor by sliding the shape up one fret to the 10th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 9th-fret shape puts the root C♯ in the bass, giving a solid, centered sound. For a lighter feel, use the C♯min/G♯ inversion, which places the fifth G♯ in the bass and softens the chord's attack.
Other C♯ chords
Common questions
How is C♯ minor written?
C♯ minor is written as C♯m, C♯min, C♯−, or C♯mi. On a keyboard, type C# instead of C♯. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What scales work over C♯ minor?
C♯ natural minor and C♯ minor pentatonic are the most direct choices. The blues scale adds a ♭5 for a grittier sound.
Can I play C♯ minor with a barre?
The 9th-fret shape uses individual fingers, not a barre. The C♯min/G♯ inversion at the 4th fret is easier for beginners.