C#5 Guitar Chord
C#5 is a two-note power chord built from C#, G# — the root and perfect fifth, with no third. Without a third, it is tonally ambiguous: neither major nor minor. Power chords are the foundation of rock, punk, and metal guitar, cutting through high-gain amplification cleanly.
3 ways to play C#5
Notes
Intervals
C# (Root), G# (Perfect 5th)
Notes in the C# Power Chord Chord
The C# Power Chord chord is built from 2 notes: C#, G#. It is a power chord chord — built from a root and perfect fifth only — no third, making it neither major nor minor. On guitar, these notes are voiced across multiple strings simultaneously to create the full chord sound. Depending on the voicing, some notes may be doubled in different octaves to fill out the sound.
Common Chord Progressions with C#5
C# Power Chord appears in many common progressions. Here are the most-used patterns when C#5 is the tonic chord:
Use our chords in a key tool to find all the chords that naturally pair with C#5 in any key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C# Power Chord chord?
The C# Power Chord chord is made up of C#, G#. These 2 notes form a dyad (no third) — neither major nor minor.
What key is the C# Power Chord chord in?
C# Power Chord is a less common chord that doesn't appear as a diatonic chord in the standard 12 major keys, but is used as a borrowed or chromatic chord in many styles.
How do I play the C#5 chord on guitar?
Place your fingers on the guitar fretboard according to the diagram above. The numbered dots show finger placement (1 = index, 2 = middle, 3 = ring, 4 = pinky), "O" means play the string open, and "X" means mute that string.
Other C# Chords
Write chord sheets with C#5 in Chordly — click any chord to add it to your lyrics, then share or export.
Drag and drop chords directly onto your lyrics, build guitar tabs, and practice hands-free with autoscroll Play Mode. All in your browser — no download needed.