C# Minor Triads on Guitar — Shapes & Inversions

Prefer drilling over reading? Open the trainer

The C# Minor triad is C#–E–G# — R–b3–5. Below you'll find all 12 close-voiced shapes within the first 12 frets: every inversion on every string set, color-coded and verified by the engine that powers our trainer.

C#
R
root
E
b3
minor third
G#
5
perfect fifth
Root position (R in bass)1st inversion (3rd in bass)2nd inversion (5th in bass)

C# Minor triads — all positions

Strings 1·2·3 (e · B · G)

3 5 7 9 12 15 b3 R 5 5 b3 R R 5 b3

Strings 2·3·4 (B · G · D)

3 5 7 9 12 15 R 5 b3 b3 R 5 5 b3 R

Strings 3·4·5 (G · D · A)

3 5 7 9 12 15 5 b3 R R 5 b3 b3 R 5

Strings 4·5·6 (D · A · E)

3 5 7 9 12 15 b3 R 5 5 b3 R R 5 b3

Where Each Inversion Sits

Strings 1·2·32nd inversion — openroot position — fret 41st inversion — fret 9
Strings 2·3·41st inversion — fret 12nd inversion — fret 5root position — fret 9
Strings 3·4·5root position — fret 11st inversion — fret 62nd inversion — fret 9
Strings 4·5·62nd inversion — fret 2root position — fret 61st inversion — fret 11
Download PDF — C# chart (all qualities)Open the full triads chart

How to Practice C# Minor Triads

Play the shapes on one string set from the nut up: 2nd inversion at open first, then the next inversion, then the next — say the inversion out loud as you land on it. Then lock one fret region and switch between string sets instead. When the shapes come without thinking, test yourself in the trainer: it will flash C# Minor voicings for you to name, or name them for you to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C# Minor triad?

C# (root), E (minor third), G# (perfect fifth).

How many C# Minor triad shapes are there on guitar?

Within the first 12 frets there are 12 close-voiced shapes: root position, 1st and 2nd inversions spread across the four three-string sets. Above the 12th fret the same shapes repeat an octave higher.

What is an easy C# Minor triad shape to start with?

Start on strings 1·2·3 with the lowest shape on the neck (2nd inversion at open) — three notes, no barre, and the same grip moves to every other key.

Related Chords