How to play the C#maj7#5 chord on guitar

The C#maj7#5 chord, pronounced "C sharp major seventh sharp five", is a unique and somewhat unconventional guitar chord. It combines the bright, sharp sound of an augmented triad with the complex harmony of a major seventh chord. While rarely used in popular music, it can add an intriguing tension and sophistication to jazz, fusion, or experimental guitar playing when used skillfully.

The most common way to play the C#maj7#5 chord on guitar is as a barre chord starting on the 9th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a C#maj7#5 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 9th fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 11th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the C#maj7#5 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly fret all the strings in the barre.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C#maj7#5 chord, try playing a basic C# major chord instead. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string, and ring finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string.

Playing the barre chord version of C#maj7#5 can be a great way to add richness and depth to your guitar playing, especially when transitioning between other barre chords.

Here's how to play a C#maj7#5 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 4th fret, covering all six strings (barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The C#maj7#5 chord is often used as a passing chord in progressions to add a dreamy, ethereal quality and a sense of tension and release. Some common chord progressions featuring the C#maj7#5 include:

• I - III - VImaj7 - C#maj7#5 - V7sus4 (C# - E# - G#maj7 - C#maj7#5 - F#7sus4)
• VImaj7 - C#maj7#5 - I - V7 (G#maj7 - C#maj7#5 - C# - F#7)
• IV - V7 - C#maj7#5 - I (F# - F#7 - C#maj7#5 - C#)
• IIm7 - V7 - I - C#maj7#5 (D#m7 - F#7 - C# - C#maj7#5)
• III - VIm - C#maj7#5 - IV (E# - G#m - C#maj7#5 - F#)

To master the C#maj7#5 chord, try playing each note individually, ensuring clarity and precision. Focus on cleanly fretting each string and letting the notes ring out. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between C#maj7#5 and other chords you frequently use.

Another helpful drill is to arpeggiate the chord, playing each note separately in ascending and descending order. This exercise helps develop finger independence and muscle memory. As you become more proficient, gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy.

Here are 3 popular songs you can play with the C#maj7#5 chord.

1. Giant Steps by John Coltrane (C#maj7#5, Gmaj7#5, C#maj7#5, Fmaj7#5, Bmaj7#5, Fmaj7#5, Bmaj7#5, Emaj7#5, Amaj7#5, Dmaj7#5, Gmaj7#5, C#maj7#5)
2. Have You Met Miss Jones? by Frank Sinatra (C#maj7#5, F#7, Bmaj7, E7, Amaj7, D7, Dmaj7, G7)
3. Lazy Bird by John Coltrane (C#maj7#5, Amaj7, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, C#maj7#5, F#7, Bmaj7, Emaj7)