How to play C Minor on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x31043
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 3.
- Let the 3rd string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 8(10)(10)888 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 10.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
Shape 3: 86558x (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 4th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 8.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 8.
- Don't play the 1st string.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in C Minor
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E♭ | ♭3 |
| G | 5 |
The formula for C Minor (minor triad) is 1 ♭3 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Cm
Minor chords bring emotion and tension. They are the other main building block of songwriting and are used for sadder, moodier or more serious passages.
The chord belongs to the key of C minor; see the C natural minor scale for the other chords in the key.
Other C chords
C, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other minor chords on guitar
C♯m, Dm, E♭m, Em, Fm, F♯m, Gm, G♯m, Am, B♭m, Bm
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Minor on guitar?
The easiest Cm shape on guitar is x31043 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 3. Let the 3rd string ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C Minor?
C Minor (Cm) contains the notes C E♭ G. The formula is 1 ♭3 5.
How many guitar shapes are there for Cm?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See C Minor on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.