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C Minor Chord

Chord Diagram

C minor chord fingering diagram for guitar. Use your index finger to bar the third fret from the A string to the high E string, ring finger on the fifth fret of the D string, and pinky on the fifth fret of the G string. The low E string is not played.3342EADGBE

This is a barre chord shape

Numbers = Finger placement

3rd fret barre with index finger

Finger Positions

1st Finger (Index)

Barre across all strings at 3rd fret

2nd Finger (Middle)

4th fret of the G string (3rd string)

3rd Finger (Ring)

5th fret of the A string (5th string)

4th Finger (Pinky)

5th fret of the D string (4th string)

Difficulty Warning: This is a barre chord that requires significant finger strength. Start with open position chords before attempting this one.

Cm Chord Variations

Cm7

Adds jazz flavor

x35343

Cm6

Bright minor sound

x35545

CmMaj7

Mysterious quality

x35443

Common Progressions with Cm

Cm - Ab - Bb - Eb

Classic minor progression in C minor key

CmAbBbEb

Cm - Fm - G - Cm

Dark, emotional progression

CmFmGCm

Cm - Bb - Ab - G

Descending progression with tension

CmBbAbG

Practice Tips for Cm Chord

Common Mistakes

  • • Not pressing barre firmly enough
  • • Thumb positioned incorrectly behind neck
  • • Fingers arching and touching other strings
  • • Applying too much pressure (causes fatigue)

Practice Exercises

  • • Build finger strength with partial barres first
  • • Practice barre without other fingers initially
  • • Use capo to practice the shape in easier positions
  • • Take breaks to avoid hand strain

Popular Songs Using Cm Chord

Black

Pearl Jam

Intermediate

The Sound of Silence

Simon & Garfunkel

Intermediate

Mad World

Tears for Fears

Intermediate

Hurt

Nine Inch Nails

Advanced

Somebody That I Used to Know

Gotye

Intermediate

Losing Religion

R.E.M.

Intermediate
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