C#m7b5 guitar chord
The C#m7b5 chord (C# half-diminished) is built from the notes C#, E, G and B, formula 1–b3–b5–b7. It appears in D major (as viiø7).
- Notes
- C# E G B
- Type
- half-diminished
- Level
- Barre chord
Fret 4Shape 1 of 3
x4545xHow to play C#m7b5
The easiest C#m7b5 shape is x4545x, starting around fret 4. Mute any strings marked x so only chord tones sound.
Dark and jazzy. In minor keys it often leads to a dominant 7th chord.
Other ways to play it
Questions
What notes are in the C#m7b5 chord?
C#m7b5 contains C#, E, G and B. Its formula is 1–b3–b5–b7.
Is C#m7b5 hard to play on guitar?
It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is x4545x.
What can I play instead of C#m7b5?
C#dim is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when C#m7b5 is too hard or too busy.