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.

How many ways can you play C#?

Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for C#, and it is a barre shape.

Is the C# chord hard to play?

C# requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.

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 · Ukulele

C# Chord on Ukulele

The C# chord (C# major) is built from the notes C#, F and G#. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Db; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

C#barre shape · starts at fret 1

Fingering

string 4 (G): fret 1 — index finger
string 3 (C): fret 1 — index finger
string 2 (E): fret 1 — index finger
string 1 (A): fret 4 — little finger

Notes in this chord

C♯
F
G♯

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5

Also written: Db

How to play

Every ukulele shape for C# needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 1. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.

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.
How many ways can you play C#?: Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for C#, and it is a barre shape.
Is the C# chord hard to play?: C# requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
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

Minory bundles the full chord library with a tuner, metronome and repertoire notebook — and it all works offline.