C Minor Guitar Chord (Cm)

C Minor (Cm) is built from C, Eb, G, which is the 1P - 3m - 5P formula measured from the root C. This page shows 3 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.

Minor
Notes: C · Eb · GIntervals: 1P – 3m – 5P

Fingerings for Cm

CA at fret 3, D at fret 3
Clow E muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 3, B at fret 2
Clow E muted, A muted, D at fret 3

Notes in Cm

  • C1P
  • Eb3m
  • G5P

How to play Cm

C Minor Guitar Chord (Cm) is darker and more introspective than its major counterpart.

Beginner tip

Let the barre or the low root ring out; a dull thud usually means a finger is touching a neighbouring string.

Practice idea

Pair it with the minor seventh and the relative major to hear the same key from both sides.

Cm FAQ

What notes are in C Minor?
C Minor (Cm) contains C, Eb, G. In interval terms that is 1P - 3m - 5P above the root C.
How do you play Cm on guitar?
The most common shape here is "C": A at fret 3, D at fret 3.
Is Cm hard for beginners?
It sits in the minor family. Let the barre or the low root ring out; a dull thud usually means a finger is touching a neighbouring string.