Learn all about the C-sharp minor piano scale, including its notes, diatonic chords, finger positions, and songs in this key
Are you interested in learning how to play the C-sharp minor scale on piano? This scale is an interesting and evocative key, so knowing it can unlock some fascinating music! Let’s start learning how to play this scale on the piano and the pieces or songs you can learn in this key.
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Getting to Know the C-sharp minor scale
Here are some interesting facts about this scale:
- Usage in classical music: C-sharp minor has been favored by composers throughout history due to its deeply expressive qualities. Notable works in this key include Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” (Piano Sonata No. 14), and Johannes Brahms’s Capriccio Op 76 No. 5.
- Character and mood: Like other minor keys, C-sharp minor often conveys feelings of melancholy, passion, and introspection. Its particular tonal color is sometimes associated with a sense of mystery or deep emotion.
- Enharmonic equivalent: C-sharp minor is enharmonically equivalent to D-flat minor. However, D-flat minor is not commonly used because it would require six flats and one double flat in its key signature.
- Famous compositions: Beyond the “Moonlight Sonata,” other famous pieces in C-sharp minor include Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 27, No. 1 and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Prelude Op. 3, No. 2.
C-sharp minor’s distinctive sound and emotive potential make it a valuable key for composers and musicians, allowing for the exploration of deep emotional landscapes and the creation of music with a profound impact.
What are the notes of the C-sharp minor scale?
The C-sharp (C♯) natural minor scale begins on the tone C♯ and has four sharps in its key signature. The full octave scale consists of the notes C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B, and C♯.
The C-sharp harmonic minor scale is the same as the natural minor version, but the 7th scale degree is raised a half step. This means that B becomes B-sharp (enharmonic with the tone C).
The C-sharp melodic minor scale is interesting because it is played differently on the way up from on the way down. On the way up the scale, the 6th and 7th scale degrees are raised a half step. This means that the pitches are C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, and C♯. On the way down, the 6th and 7th scale degrees are lowered back, so the scale is played exactly the same way as the natural minor scale.
What is the relative major of the C-sharp minor scale?
The relative major of the C-sharp minor scale is E major. The relative major of a minor key is the major key that shares the same key signature. Both C-sharp minor and E major have four sharps in their key signatures, which are F♯, C♯, G♯, and D♯.
How do you play the C-sharp minor scale on piano?
Watch this video to learn how to play the C-sharp minor pentascale with Mr. Hoffman! The C-sharp minor pentascale is the first five notes of the scale and a great way to start learning.
Right-hand placement for the C-sharp minor one-octave piano scale when going up:
3 on C#
4 on D#
Pass the thumb under
1 on E
2 on F#
3 on G#
Pass the thumb under
1 on A
2 on B
3 on C#
Left-hand placement for the C-sharp minor piano scale:
3 on C#
2 on D#
1 on E
Cross the 4th finger over
4 on F#
3 on G#
2 on A
1 on B
Cross the 3rd finger over
3 on C#
When coming down this scale on the piano, reverse the finger order like this:
Right hand:
3 on C#
2 on B
1 on A
Cross the 3rd finger over
3 on G#
2 on F#
1 on E
Cross the 4th finger over
4 on D#
3 on C#
Left hand:
3 on C#
Pass the thumb under
1 on B
2 on A
3 on G#
4 on F#
Pass the thumb under
1 on E
2 on D#
3 on C#
Diatonic chords in the key of C-sharp minor: piano tips
Here are the chords based on each note of the C-sharp natural minor scale:
C#m (i): C# – E – G#
D#dim (ii°): D# – F# – A
E major (III): E – G# – B
F#m (iv): F# – A – C#
G#m (v): G# – B – D# ** If you use the harmonic minor version, the V chord becomes G# Major (G# – B# – D#).
A major (VI): A – C# – E
B major (VII): B – D# – F# ** If you use the harmonic minor version, the vii chord becomes B# diminished (B# – D# – F#).
In the context of this scale, some chords are minor, some are major, and one is diminished, which is typical of diatonic scales.
If you’d like some handy reference guides for chords and triads in all keys, download these free resources from the Hoffman Academy Store:
Songs to play on the piano in the key of C-sharp minor
Below is a list of piano pieces (or pieces adapted for the piano) that were composed in C-sharp minor. Click on the links to download the sheet music:
“Moonlight Sonata”, Piano Sonata No. 14 – Ludwig van Beethoven
Nocturne in C# minor, Op. Posthumous – Frederic Chopin
Lento – César Franck
You can also enjoy listening to these piano pieces in C-sharp minor:
Prelude Op. 3, No. 2 – Sergei Rachmaninoff
Capriccio Op 76 No. 5 – Johannes Brahms
Nocturne Op. 27, No. 1 – Frederic Chopin
We hope you’ve had fun exploring the C-sharp minor piano scale! To learn more about minor scales and how to play them, check out Hoffman Academy’s Minor Scales Fingering Guide. For more piano resources, sign up for our Premium membership!