KeysC# minor
Key reference · diatonic chords

The Key of C# minor

The key of C# minor is built on the C# minor scale and contains the seven chords C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A, and B. Its key signature has 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#).

Below are those chords by scale degree, the progressions they build, and the related scale and key you can reach from here.

Chords in the key of C# minor

iC#m
ii°D#dim
IIIEivF#mvG#mVIAVIIB

Common progressions in C# minor

i – iv – vC#mF#mG#m
i – VI – VIIC#mAB
i – VII – VI – VIIC#mBAB
ii° – v – iD#dimG#mC#m

The C# minor scale on the fretboard →

See every note of the scale this key is built from, mapped across the neck.

Explore keys on the Circle of Fifths →

The free interactive circle shows every key signature and the chords that belong to each key.

Other minor keys

C minorD minorEb minorE minorF minorF# minorG minorG# minorA minorBb minorB minor

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the key of C# minor?
The key of C# minor contains seven chords, one on each note of the scale: C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A, and B. In Roman numerals those are i, ii°, III, iv, v, VI, VII.
What is the key signature of C# minor?
C# minor has 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#). It shares that key signature with its relative major, E major.
What are common chord progressions in C# minor?
i – iv – v is C#m – F#m – G#m; i – VI – VII is C#m – A – B. In minor keys the v chord (G#m) is often raised to a major V or V7 for a stronger pull back to the tonic.
What is the relative major of C# minor?
The relative major of C# minor is E major. It uses the same notes and the same key signature, just starting from a different home note.