Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the C# Half-Diminished 7th chord on guitar, find the notes C#, E, G, B across the fretboard. The root C# typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

Guitar Chord

C#m7b5 Guitar Chord

Diminished triad with a minor seventh. Common in jazz as the ii chord in minor keys. Learn the C# Half-Diminished 7th chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

Notes
C# – E – G – B
Intervals
0 – 3 – 6 – 10
Type
seventh chord
C# E G B
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
4 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the C#m7b5 Guitar Chord

The C#m7b5 chord is a half-diminished 7th chord built on the root C#. It contains 4 notes: C#, E, G, B. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

Diminished triad with a minor seventh. Common in jazz as the ii chord in minor keys. For guitarists, mastering the C#m7b5 chord unlocks many songs in the key of C#.

Recommended C#m7b5 Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical C#m7b5 voicing. The chord notes (C#, E, G, B) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play C#m7b5" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of C#m7b5

Degree Interval Semitones Note in C#
Root Root (R) 0 C#
3rd Minor 3rd 3 E
5th Tritone 6 G
7th Minor 7th 10 B

Common Progressions with C#m7b5 on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: C#m7b5 – F#m7b5 – G#m7b5 (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: C#m7b5 – G# – A#m – F# (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: C#m7b5 – A#m – F# – G# (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing C#m7b5 on Guitar

Start by finding the root note C# on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between C#m7b5 and nearby chords like F# and G#. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other C# Guitar Chords

C#
Major
C#m
Minor
C#7
Dominant 7th
C#maj7
Major 7th
C#m7
Minor 7th
C#dim
Diminished

Half-Diminished 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

Cm7b5 C#m7b5 Dm7b5 D#m7b5 Em7b5 Fm7b5 F#m7b5 Gm7b5 G#m7b5 Am7b5 A#m7b5 Bm7b5
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
C#m7b5 Piano
Piano chord diagram
C# Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using C#m7b5

Knowledge Base & FAQs

C#m7b5 Guitar Chord — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How do I play the C#m7b5 chord on guitar?

To play the C# Half-Diminished 7th chord on guitar, find the notes C#, E, G, B across the fretboard.

The root C# typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

What notes make up the C#m7b5 guitar chord?

The C# Half-Diminished 7th guitar chord contains 4 notes: C#, E, G, B.

These are derived from the half-diminished 7th interval formula applied to the root C#.

What is the best guitar voicing for C#m7b5?

The most common guitar voicing for C#m7b5 uses a root position with C# on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

Is C#m7b5 a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

C#m7b5 has 4 notes, which may require more advanced finger stretching.

Start with the basic seventh shape and practice clean transitions.

What is a barre chord version of C#m7b5?

A barre chord version of C#m7b5 uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root C# determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

What are common chord progressions with C#m7b5 on guitar?

C#m7b5 is widely used in jazz ii–V–I turnarounds, blues progressions, and modal funk vamps.

How does C#m7b5 sound different on guitar vs piano?

The C#m7b5 chord contains the same notes (C#, E, G, B) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Can I play C#m7b5 as an open chord on guitar?

Open voicings of C#m7b5 require C# to be playable within the first 3 frets.

If open shapes aren't available, use a barre chord voicing instead.

What is the difference between the C#m7b5 chord on guitar and ukulele?

The C#m7b5 chord contains the same notes (C#, E, G, B) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

How do I practice transitioning to and from C#m7b5 on guitar?

Practice moving between C#m7b5 and its neighboring chords in the key of C# major: F# and G#.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.