Which notes are in the C# chord?

C# contains the notes C#, F and G#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.

Are C# and Db the same chord?

Yes. C# and Db are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

C# major · Piano

C# Chord on Piano

The C# chord (C# major) is built from the notes C#, F and G#. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Db; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

Notes in this chord

C♯
F
G♯

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5

Also written: Db

How to play

To play C# on piano, press C#, F and G# together. In root position the lowest note is C#, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.

Theory behind the chord

Major chords sound bright and settled. They are built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, and they carry most of the resolution points in pop, rock and folk. On C# this structure sits on the root C#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 map onto C#, F and G#. C# is the I chord in the key of C# major, the V chord in G# major and the IV chord in F# major. Its relative minor is A#m, which shares the same set of notes. The most common progression it appears in is C# – A#m – F# – G#.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the C# chord?: C# contains the notes C#, F and G#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.
Are C# and Db the same chord?: Yes. C# and Db are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

Practise C# on your phone

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