Chords in the key of C# minor

The seven chords, the scale and the progressions that work in C# minor. Tap any chord to hear it.

Quick answer

The chords in C# minor are C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A, B (i ii° III iv v VI VII).

Tap a chord to hear it and add it to your song sketch

Key signature4 sharps

Relative majorE major

ScaleC# D# E F# G# A B

Minor pentatonicC# E F# G# B

Open on the circle of fifths Find scales for my chords

The chords in the key of C# minor

The seven chords in C# minor are C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A, B. As seventh chords they're C#m7, D#m7b5, Emaj7, F#m7, G#m7, Amaj7, B7. They all use only notes from the C# minor scale, so they sound like they belong together in any order.

Chords in C# minor with Roman numerals
Degree	Numeral	Triad	Seventh chord
1	i	C#m	C#m7
2	ii°	D#dim	D#m7b5
3	III	E	Emaj7
4	iv	F#m	F#m7
5	v	G#m	G#m7
6	VI	A	Amaj7
7	VII	B	B7

Popular progressions in C# minor

Common chord progressions played in C# minor
Progression	Numerals	Chords in C#
Minor ii–V–i	iiø7 V7 i7	D#m7b5 G#7 C#m7
Aeolian march	i VI VII i	C#m A B C#m
Phrygian menace	i bII i bII	C#m D C#m D
Minor three-chord	i iv v i	C#m F#m G#m C#m
Andalusian cadence	i VII VI V	C#m B A G#
Minor pop	i VI III VII	C#m A E B
Minor circle	i iv VII III	C#m F#m B E
Minor rock loop	i VII VI VII	C#m B A B

C# minor on the circle of fifths

C# minor has 4 sharps. Its neighbors on the circle of fifths are F# minor and G# minor. They share all but one note with it, which makes them the smoothest keys to change to. Its relative major, E major, uses exactly the same notes and chords.

Scales to play over C# minor

Use the C# minor scale (C# D# E F# G# A B) for melodies and solos. For a simpler sound that's hard to get wrong, try the C# minor pentatonic (C# E F# G# B). For a bluesy edge, add the blue note with the C# blues scale (C# E F# G G# B).

Every key

C major G major D major A major E major B major F# major Db major Ab major Eb major Bb major F major A minor E minor B minor F# minor C# minor G# minor D# minor Bb minor F minor C minor G minor D minor

Common questions

What chords are in the key of C# minor?

The chords in C# minor are C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A, B.

What is the relative major of C# minor?

The relative major of C# minor is E major. They share the same notes and key signature.

How many sharps or flats are in C# minor?

C# minor has 4 sharps.

What notes are in the C# minor scale?

The C# minor scale is C# D# E F# G# A B.

Last updated November 14, 2026.