Cm guitar chord

The Cm chord (C minor) is built from the notes C, Eb and G, formula 1–b3–5. It appears in Bb major (as ii), Ab major (as iii) and Eb major (as vi).

Notes
C Eb G
Type
minor
Level
Barre chord
Barre · fret 3Shape 1 of 3
×1342CGCEbG
x35543

How to play Cm

The usual Cm shape is a barre chord: your index finger presses fret 3 across several strings (x35543). Barre chords take practice, so start by getting each string to ring clearly before worrying about speed.

Darker and more reflective than a major chord, because the third is lowered by a half step.

Other ways to play it

Cm8123CGCEbGC
Barre · fret 8

Questions

What notes are in the Cm chord?

Cm contains C, Eb and G. Its formula is 1–b3–5.

Is Cm hard to play on guitar?

It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is x35543. A shortcut: put a capo on fret 3 and play an open Am shape.