Left-handed C#m diagram
Vertical: high e on the left, nut at the top. Horizontal: high e at the top, nut on the right. X = silent, O = open. Dot numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. A thick line joins notes held with one finger as a barre.
Fret and finger guide
Both codes read from low E to high e, regardless of the diagram view.
- Frets
x · 4 · 6 · 6 · 5 · 4- Fingers
- – · 1 · 3 · 4 · 2 · 1
- Level
- Intermediate (this fingering)
Make a clean C#m chord
Barre at fret 4, then add the minor shape at frets 5 and 6. Keep low E silent.
- Place one finger at a time, just behind the fret wire.
- Pick each sounding string slowly. Adjust any finger that mutes its neighbour.
- Release pressure, then make the shape again. Aim for a relaxed hand.
- Strum four beats, rest for four, then repeat. Rest if your hand becomes tired; stop if you feel pain.
Another way to play it
Try xx6654 for a four-string C#m with G# in the bass.
Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.
Practise chord changes with a metronome →C#m notes and chord formula
A minor triad lowers the third of a major triad by one fret. Listen to the difference between the major and minor sound on the same root.
- Formula
- 1 – b3 – 5
- Chord notes
- C# – E – G#
How to read chord diagrams · Build a comfortable barre · Connect chord shapes with CAGED