C# Minor
C#m minor has 4 sharps. Its relative major is E and its parallel key is C#. This page lists the signature, scale notes, diatonic chords, and go-to progressions, with tools that play the sound.
Key signature
Sharps: 4 (Notes: F#, C#, G#, D#)
Scale notes
The notes that make up this scale, shown with their degrees.
| Degree | 1 | 2 | ♭3 | 4 | 5 | ♭6 | ♭7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C# | D# | E | F# | G# | A | B |
Diatonic chords
The chords that belong to this key, color-coded by role: T (tonic), SD (subdominant), D (dominant).
Triads
| Degree | Chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ⅰm | C#m | C# E G# | T |
| Ⅱdim | D#dim | D# Gb A | SD |
| Ⅲ | E | E G# B | T |
| Ⅳm | F#m | F# A C# | SD |
| Ⅴm | G#m | G# B D# | D |
| Ⅵ | A | A C# E | T |
| Ⅶ | B | B D# F# | D |
Seventh chords
| Degree | Chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ⅰm7 | C#m7 | C# E G# B | T |
| Ⅱm7b5 | D#m7b5 | D# Gb A Db | SD |
| Ⅲmaj7 | Emaj7 | E G# B D# | T |
| Ⅳm7 | F#m7 | F# A C# E | SD |
| Ⅴm7 | G#m7 | G# B D# Gb | D |
| Ⅵmaj7 | Amaj7 | A C# E G# | T |
| Ⅶ7 | B7 | B D# F# A | D |
This table uses the natural minor. Raising the 7th (harmonic minor) turns V into G# (V7 = G#7) for a stronger resolution.
Related keys
Go-to progressions in this key
Common progressions written out with the real chord names for this key. Play them in the progression player to hear them.
| Progression | Chords | |
|---|---|---|
| Andalusian Cadence | C#m - Cdim - A - G# | ▶ Play in player |
| Minor II-V-I | D#m7b5 - G#7 - C#m7 | ▶ Play in player |
| Rock Power Progression | C#m - B - F#m - C#m | ▶ Play in player |
Hear it with the tools
Links that open each tool preset to this key.
Related articles
Articles for anyone who wants to understand keys and signatures more deeply.