C♯ Minor Chord (C#m, Dbm) on Piano
The C#m chord (C# minor) is built from 3 notes: C# – E – G#. It is also written as Dbm.
Play these notes on a MIDI keyboard, your computer keyboard, or the on-screen keys and ChordKeys will name the chord back to you.
Notes and intervals
| Note | Degree | Interval from C# | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C# | 1 | root | 0 |
| E | b3 | minor 3rd | 3 |
| G# | 5 | perfect 5th | 7 |
Inversions
Rearranging which note sits at the bottom gives you 3 playable voicings of the same chord. Inversions let you move between chords with less hand movement.
| Voicing | Notes | Bass note |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | C# – E – G# | C# in the bass |
| 1st inversion | E – G# – C# | E in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | G# – C# – E | G# in the bass |
How the minor chord is built
Every minor chord uses the same interval formula: 1 (0 semitones), b3 (3 semitones), 5 (7 semitones). Starting on C# and applying that formula produces C#, E, G#. Learn the formula once and you can build a minor chord on any of the twelve roots.
Keys that contain C#m
Every note of C#m belongs to these keys, so it will sit naturally in a progression written in any of them.
Other chords on C#
Minor chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a C#m chord?
A C#m chord contains the notes C#, E, G#. Those are the 1, b3, 5 degrees measured from the root note C#.
How do you play C#m on piano?
Place your thumb on C#, then add E and G# above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.
Is C#m the same as Dbm?
Yes. C#m and Dbm are enharmonic equivalents — they sound identical and use the same piano keys. Which spelling you use depends on the key you are playing in.