GUITAR CHORD
How to play the C#5 chord
A common C#5 guitar chord shape in E Standard tuning, shown from the lowest string to the highest.
C#5 chord diagram
The circles above the nut are open strings, × marks muted strings, and the numbered fret marker appears when the shape starts higher on the neck.
See every C#5 voicing →What makes the C#5 chord?
The C#5 chord is a power chord. It uses the root and perfect fifth, often reinforced by an octave, creating a strong sound that stays neutral between major and minor.
The diagram above is one practical E Standard voicing. The chord library lets you compare other positions while keeping the same chord name and harmonic function.
Try another position or tuning
Open the chord library to compare easy shapes, triads, inversions, and advanced voicings. You can also switch to E♭, D, C, B or A Standard; Drop D, C♯, C, B or A; or DADGAD.
Browse alternate tuning chord guides