C# Major Guitar Chord
C# major is a three-note chord built from C#, F, G# — the root, major third, and perfect fifth. It is one of the most commonly played chords in Western music.
4 ways to play C#
Notes
Intervals
C# (Root), F (Major 3rd), G# (Perfect 5th)
Notes in the C# Major Chord
The C# Major chord is built from 3 notes: C#, F, G#. It is a major chord — built from a root, major third (4 semitones above the root), and perfect fifth (7 semitones). 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#
C# Major appears in many common progressions. Here are the most-used patterns when C# is the tonic chord:
Use our chords in a key tool to find all the chords that naturally pair with C# in any key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C# Major chord?
The C# Major chord is made up of C#, F, G#. These 3 notes form a triad (three-note chord structure).
What key is the C# Major chord in?
C# Major 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# 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.
What chords go with C#?
Chords that pair well with C# are the other diatonic chords from the keys where C# naturally appears: various keys. Use our chords-in-key tool to see the full chord set for any of these keys.
Other C# Chords
Write chord sheets with C# in Chordly — click any chord to add it to your lyrics, then share or export.
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