C# Minor Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Minor in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The C# Minor scale, also known as the Aeolian mode or natural minor, is the standard for expressing melancholy, introspection, and drama. On Guitar, its notes are C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B. Its sound is darker and more somber than the major scale, widely used in songwriting to evoke deep emotional narratives and serving as the foundation of traditional minor-key compositions. The diatonic chords of C# Minor are C#m7, D#m7b5, Emaj7, F#m7, G#m7, Amaj7, B7. Commonly used in Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B. Notable players include Metallica, Adele, Beethoven. Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.
Notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
Also known as: aeolian
Diatonic Chords
C♯m7 — D♯m7♭5 — Emaj7 — F♯m7 — G♯m7 — Amaj7 — B7