Chords in the key of C# minor on ukulele
The chords in the key of C# minor are built from the notes of the scale: C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A, B. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant G#7 leading back to C#m.
The chords of the key
- C#mi
- D#dimii°
- EIII
- F#miv
- G#mv
- G#V
- G#7V7
- AVI
- BVII
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| i | C#m | tonic (rest) |
| ii° | D#dim | subdominant (moves away) |
| III | E | tonic (rest) |
| iv | F#m | subdominant (moves away) |
| v | G#m | dominant (tension) |
| V | G# | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | G#7 | dominant (tension) |
| VI | A | subdominant (moves away) |
| VII | B | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Epic minor (i–VI–III–VII): C#m – A – E – B
- Andalusian (i–VII–VI–V): C#m – B – A – G#
To improvise
The C# minor scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the minor pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key.
Relative key: E major, with the same notes and a different home chord.