C-shape Minor Chord

The core C minor shape

The C minor shape is just the C major shape with the third lowered by one fret. But what a difference that small change makes for playability. The full shape can seem impractical, unsuited to human hands. When we realize that we can leave out some of the notes, it becomes more useful.

One common grip for this shape is x421xx, a minimalist, three-note closed-voice triad (R♭35). The first finger mutes the two highest-pitched strings.

Sometimes it's nice to have the root note repeated on top of the chord as the highest pitch. In that case, pull the first finger down to the second string, using the tip of it to mute the third string: x42x1x. In this grip we're no longer playing the fifth of the chord, but with the root in the bass and the minor third above it, the missing fifth is rarely noticed.

Alternate C minor grips

Treble triad

Another variation is to play the treble triad on the upper-middle strings, with the root on the second string: xx213x.

Try playing the chord tones in order, R♭35R, starting with the fingers in x421xx and then rotating into xx213x.

Study and practice

Learn the chord grips

Master the C-shape minor grips using the exercises described in How to Master New Chord Grips.

Play minor primary chords

The minor primary chords (i-iv-v) are the same as the relative major secondary chords (vi-ii-iii).

Alternate between major and minor

Practice switching between the C-shape major and minor chords, listening for the third moving back one fret on the fourth string.

Play the minor pentatonic over the chord

See the C-shape minor pentatonic lesson for more about playing this scale over the C-shape minor chord.