How to play C♯ Minor 11th 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: x44400
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4.
- Let the 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: x44100
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Let the 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 3: 999999 (from fret 9)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 9 (a barre).
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 11th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C♯ | 1 (root) |
| E | ♭3 |
| G♯ | 5 |
| B | ♭7 |
| D♯ | 9 |
| F♯ | 11 |
The formula for C♯ Minor 11th (minor eleventh) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9 11: take the root, then the scale degrees listed. In the D♭ spelling the notes are D♭ F♭ A♭ C♭ E♭ G♭.
When to use C♯m11
Minor 11th chords are deep, open and soulful, common in modal jazz, neo-soul and funk.
Other C♯ chords
D♭, C♯m, D♭7, D♭maj7, C♯m7, D♭sus2, D♭sus4, C♯°, D♭+, D♭add9, D♭6, C♯ø7
Other minor 11th chords on guitar
Cm11, Dm11, E♭m11, Em11, Fm11, F♯m11, Gm11, G♯m11, Am11, B♭m11, Bm11
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C♯ Minor 11th on guitar?
The easiest C♯m11 shape on guitar is x44400 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4. Let the 2nd, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C♯ Minor 11th?
C♯ Minor 11th (C♯m11) contains the notes C♯ E G♯ B D♯ F♯. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9 11.
Is C♯ the same as D♭?
Yes. C♯ and D♭ are two names for the same pitch, so C♯ Minor 11th and D♭ Minor 11th sound identical and use the same guitar shapes. Written as D♭m11 the notes are spelled D♭ F♭ A♭ C♭ E♭ G♭.
How many guitar shapes are there for C♯m11?
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 11th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.