How To Play C Sharp Guitar Chords in 8 Different Ways

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C# is a major triad. It contains the notes C# E# and G#. The C# chord is quite simple to play as it simply uses the major chord shapes you may already be familiar with. Below we will show you diagrams of 8 ways to play the chord. For those that like to go above and beyond in their music studies, we will also discuss music theory terms like inversions, key signatures, and diatonic chords. Read on the learn all the ways to play c sharp guitar chords!

how to play the c# guitar chord, c# chord variations and inversions, c sharp chord theory, keys that use the c sharp guitar chord, c sharp guitar chords

Theory On The C# Guitar Chord

Let’s begin by discussing theory:

  • C# is a triad, meaning it has 3 notes. These notes are the root, third and fifth.
  • A major triad is built on the intervals Root, major third, and perfect fifth.
  • You can play the C# chord all over the neck, as long as you hit the notes C# E# and G#, you’ll sound great.
  • The key signature for the key of C# Major is: F# C# G# D# A# E# B#. (C is commonly called the “All or nothing Key” because C major has no key signature whereas C# and Cb have all the accidentals.)
  • Let’s say you were playing in the key of C# Major, the diatonic chords would be:

C# Maj, D# min, E# min, F# Maj, G# Maj, A#min, B#o

Related: Major G Chord

How To Play The C# Chord

C# Maj Barre Chord, c# guitar chord in a major key
  • Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string and barre.
  • Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
  • Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string.
  • Strum all the individual strings to ensure all notes ring clearly.

C# Barre Chord

c# barre chord 2, c# chord

In addition to the Barre chord above, there is one other way to play a C# barre chord that sounds the same.

  • Barre the 9th fret on all strings with your index finger.
  • Place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the 3rd string.
  • Place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the 5th string.
  • Place your pinky on the 11th fret of the 4th string.

Alternate Ways To Play The C Sharp Chord

Maybe the most common ways don’t have the sound you were looking for, here are some other ways to play C#. Notice how 2 of these are simplified versions of the barre chord that only play the highest notes.

C# Maj Alternative, c sharp chord (major)
  • With your index finger barre the 1st and 2nd strings on the 9th fret.
  • Place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the 3rd string.
  • Place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the 4th string.

This one is super easy and sounds so nice! 

C Sharp Maj Alternate, c sharp guitar chord
  • Barre the 6th fret on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings with your index finger.
C# Maj Alternative, c# chord guitar
  • Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string.
  • Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string.
  • Place your pinky on the 6th fret of the 2nd string.

C# Guitar Chord Triads

Learning triads on the guitar is essential to becoming a great guitarist. Here are some C# triads to practice:

C# Root position:

The C# chord in root position means that the bass note – or the note at the bottom of the chord – is C# (the root).

C sharp triad root position, c sharp major chord
  • Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string.
  • Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.
  • Place your pinky on the 4th fret of the 5th string.

C# 1st inversion: 

A chord inversion in music occurs when a note other than the root of the chord is played in the bass position, altering the order of notes but not the overall harmony. On the guitar, this typically involves rearranging the fingering so that a different chord tone is the lowest sounding note in the chord.

In first inversion, the chord will have E# as the bass note.

c sharp 1st inverstion
  • Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string.
  • Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string
  • Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.

C# 2nd inversion:

c# 2nd Inversion

In 1st inversion, G# (the fifth of the chord) will be the bass note.

  • Barre the 1st fret of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings with your index finger.
  • Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string.

It is important that we do not confuse the root note with the bass note. They are not the same. C# is the root note, but that bass note depends on which inversion you are using!

Which Keys Have a C# Chord

The C# Major chord might be heard in the following keys:

C# Major: C# Maj, D# min, E# min, F# Maj, G# Maj, A# min, B#o

F# Major: F# Maj, G# min, A# min, B# Maj, C# Maj, D# min, E#o

G# Major: G# Maj, A# min, B#min, C# Maj, D# Maj, E# min, F#o

A# Minor: A# min, B#o , C# Maj, D# min, E# Maj, F# Maj, G#o

Commonly Asked Questions:

Is C# the same as Db?  

Yes, C# and Db are enharmonic equivalents. Meaning they sound exactly the same and use the same notes. To understand this, play C# on your guitar, then play Db on your guitar, what do you know?! They are the same note!

Related: Guitar Chords F #, Guitar Chords B minor, Guitar Chords B flat, Guitar Chords Em 7

Conclusion:

Now you know 8 different ways to play C # guitar chords. There is no right or wrong answer to which you choose, just pick the one that sounds best to you. C# is a major triad that consists of the notes C#, E#, and G#. C# is the tonic of the key of C# Major. C# has 7 accidentals in it’s key signature: F# C# G# D# A# E# and B# Which is why it’s called the “All or Nothing Key”. When playing barre chords, remember to make sure that every note in the chord rings out clearly to practice good technique. Which of your favorite songs have the C# chord in them?

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