Scale Charts › C# Minor scale

C# Minor scale on guitar

C# Minor is a seven-note natural minor scale (the Aeolian mode). Its notes are C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A and B (1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7). It is the sound of most minor-key rock, pop and metal, and it shares its notes with its relative major. The C# roots sit at fret 9 on the low E string.

How to practice it

1. Start at fret 9 on the low E string and play the box from low to high and back.
2. Say or think the note names as you play until the roots jump out.
3. Play it over a backing track in the same key and aim for the root on strong beats.
4. Chords in the key: C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A and B.

Questions

What notes are in the C# Minor scale?

C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A and B. The formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.

Where do I start C# Minor on guitar?

Put your first finger on C# at fret 9 of the low E string; the root is also at fret 4 of the A string. Learn that box first, then link it to the next one up the neck.

What is the relative major of C# Minor?

E Major. It uses the same notes starting from a different root.

Also try: E Major scale · C# Minor · Scale Charts