Also written C♯5, C♯ or C♯ power chord
C♯ 5th contains C♯ and G♯. This four-fret stretch is manageable but requires careful finger placement.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C♯ 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, with a perfect 5th between C♯ and G♯. The perfect 5th gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare it with C♯ major, which adds a major 3rd for a fuller harmony.
C♯ 5th works as the tonic in C♯ major progressions like C♯–F♯–G♯, the I–IV–V. It suits rock and metal rhythm playing where a tight, aggressive sound is needed.
The 1st fret position has the root C♯ in the bass, giving a solid foundation. The C♯5/G♯ inversion starting on fret 4 puts the 5th in the bass for a lighter, less grounded sound.
C♯ 5th is played at the 1st fret as 1 1 4 4: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the C string at fret 1, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
Tip — The stretch from the 1st fret to the 4th fret across all four fingers is the hardest physical part.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
C♯ 5th is played at the 4th fret as × × 4 4: index finger on the E string at fret 4 and middle finger on the A string at fret 4. The G and C strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 1 | G♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
C♯ 5th is played at the 6th fret as 6 8 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 6 and middle finger on the C string at fret 8. The E and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
C♯ 5th is played at the 8th fret as × 8 9 ×: index finger on the C string at fret 8 and middle finger on the E string at fret 9. The G and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 1 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
C♯ 5th is played at the 9th fret as × × 9 11: index finger on the E string at fret 9 and middle finger on the A string at fret 11. The G and C strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (A) | 11 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
C♯ 5th is written as C♯5 or C♯. The ASCII root is C#, so it may appear as C#5. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
C♯ 5th omits the major 3rd, leaving only C♯ and G♯. C♯ major includes E♯, which gives it a brighter, more complete sound.
C♯ 5th is intermediate because of the four-fret stretch. Beginners may find the two-string version at the 4th fret easier.