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C♯m/E (C♯ minor over E)

Minor, first inversion chord

Level 3: Inversions

Notes: C♯, E, G♯ · Bass note: E · Open position

Also known as: C♯m/E, C#m/E, C♯m over E, C#m over E, C♯ minor over E, C♯m slash E, C♯m first inversion

213EG♯C♯E1234T
213EG♯C♯E1234T

Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), C♯m/E. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), C♯m/E. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.

  • 1Index
  • 2Middle
  • 3Ring
  • 4Pinky
  • TThumb, behind the neck

How to play C♯m/E

  1. Place your first finger on the first fret of the G string.
  2. Place your second finger on the second fret of the D string.
  3. Place your third finger on the second fret of the B string.
  4. Strum only the D, G, B and high E strings.

Tips for new players

  • Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
  • Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
  • Play the basic chord first, then this inversion, and listen to how smoothly the bass note moves.

Chord video

Watch C♯m/E, step by step

A short animation that builds the C♯m/E chart and explains every symbol on it.

  • X marks a string that is muted or not played.
  • Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
  • Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.

Learn and practice C♯m/E

Practice progression

C♯m, C♯m/E

Switch between C♯m and C♯m/E until the changes feel smooth.