C#5 Power Chord on Guitar
C#5 (C# power chord) is made of the notes C# – G#. The easiest guitar fingering is x466xx (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Main shape
Alternative shape
How to play C#5
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (C#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6 (G#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6 (C#).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 4 | C# | R |
| 4th string (D) | 6 | G# | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 6 | C# | R |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a C# power chord chord?
A power chord (written "5") contains only the root and the perfect fifth, sometimes doubled with the octave. It has no third, so it is neither major nor minor.
Notes and formula. C#5 contains C#, G#. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), 5 (perfect 5th). It is also written Db5; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Heavy, open and punchy. Distortion loves power chords because they do not create muddy overtones.
Where it is used. The foundation of rock, punk and metal riffs. The same shape works for major and minor songs.
Tips for playing C#5
Keep the shape and slide it along the neck. The root is always the lowest note, so you can move the whole chord by moving that one finger.
Common mistake: Strumming strings that are not part of the chord. Use the fingers or palm to mute the unused strings.
Scales to play over C#5
Related chords
C#5 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C#5 chord?
C#5 (C# power chord) contains the notes C#, G#. The formula is R–5 relative to the root C#.
How do you play C#5 on guitar?
The most common shape for C#5 is x466xx, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is C#5 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is C#5 the same as Db5?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C#5 and Db5 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.