Also written C♯7♯5, C♯ or C♯ Dominant 7th ♯5
C♯ 7th sharp 5 is built from C♯, E♯, G♯♯, and B. The 1st-fret shape uses a wide stretch across all four strings.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C♯ 7th sharp 5 combines a major 3rd, an augmented 5th, and a minor 7th. The augmented 5th G♯♯ distinguishes it from C♯ 7th, which uses G♯. A tritone occurs between E♯ and B.
C♯ 7th sharp 5 fits jazz and fusion progressions where a dominant chord needs extra tension. Use the supplied linked chords to hear its tension without adding unsupported harmony. Its tense, bright quality suits moments of harmonic surprise.
The 1st-fret voicing has C♯ in the bass, giving a root-position sound. The open-position shape at the 4th fret is easier but less bright. The E♯ inversion at the 4th fret adds tension.
C♯ 7th sharp 5 is played at the 1st fret as 2 1 1 2: ring finger on the G string at fret 2, index finger on the C string at fret 1, middle finger on the E string at fret 1 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 2.
Tip — The 1st-fret shape requires a wide stretch between the index finger on the C string and the pinky on the A string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 3 | G♯♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | E♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 4 | B (♭7) |
C♯ 7th sharp 5 is played in open position as 4 1 1 0: ring finger on the G string at fret 4, index finger on the C string at fret 1 and middle finger on the E string at fret 1. The A string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | E♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | G♯♯ (♯5) |
C♯ 7th sharp 5 is played at the 4th fret as 4 5 5 4: index finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the C string at fret 5, pinky finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 3 | E♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 4 | G♯♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
C♯ 7th sharp 5 is played in open position as 6 5 7 0: middle finger on the G string at fret 6, index finger on the C string at fret 5 and ring finger on the E string at fret 7. The A string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 1 | E♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (♭7) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | G♯♯ (♯5) |
C♯ 7th sharp 5 is written as C♯7♯5 or C#7♯5. It is also called C♯ dominant 7th sharp 5. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
C♯ 7th contains G♯, while C♯ 7th sharp 5 raises that note to G♯♯. The raised fifth creates a more dissonant, tense sound.
The 1st-fret shape spans four frets across the strings, requiring a wide reach. The pinky on the A string at fret 2 is the hardest part to hold cleanly.