C# Major Chord on Guitar
C# (C# major) is made of the notes C# – E# – G#. The easiest guitar fingering is 98666x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Main shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play C#
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 9 (C#).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 8 (E#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6 (G#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6 (C#).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 6 (E#).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 9 | C# | R |
| 5th string (A) | 8 | E# | 3 |
| 4th string (D) | 6 | G# | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 6 | C# | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 6 | E# | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a C# major chord?
A major chord is a triad built from the root, a major third and a perfect fifth. It is the basic "happy" chord and the first shape most guitarists learn.
Notes and formula. C# contains C#, E#, G#. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th). It is also written Db; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Bright, stable and resolved. Major chords feel like home base in a major key.
Where it is used. Major chords carry the verse and chorus of most pop, rock, folk and country songs. In any major key the I, IV and V chords are major.
Tips for playing C#
Strum the chord slowly and listen to every string. A single muted or buzzing string is the most common reason a chord sounds "off", so press close to the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
Common mistake: Letting a fretting finger lean on the neighbouring string and silence it. Arch your fingers so only the tips touch the strings.
Keys that contain C#
C# is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- C# major – I chord
- F# major – V chord
- Ab major – IV chord
- Bb minor – III chord
- Eb minor – VII chord
- F minor – VI chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over C#
Related chords
C# chord FAQ
What notes are in a C# chord?
C# (C# major) contains the notes C#, E#, G#. The formula is R–3–5 relative to the root C#.
How do you play C# on guitar?
The most common shape for C# is 98666x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is C# an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is C# the same as Db?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C# and Db sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain C#?
C# is a diatonic chord in C# major (I), F# major (V), Ab major (IV), Bb minor (III), Eb minor (VII), F minor (VI).
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