How to Play the C Minor Chord on Ukulele

The C minor chord (often written as Cm), like many minor chords, can lend unexpected impact and emotion to a song. In this lesson, you’ll learn the notes that make up the Cm chord on the ukulele and a few different ways to play it. You’ll also learn a song that incorporates the C minor chord, giving you a chance to try your hand at playing it alongside a few other chords.

Lesson: How to Play a C Minor Chord

The C minor chord on the ukulele is made up of three notes:

• C

• Eb

• G

This chord is built off of the C major scale, which does not have any sharp or flat notes in it. However, because the C minor chord is (well…) a minor chord, it uses the minor triad formula.

The minor chord formula takes the first (root), flat third, and fifth notes of a scale to build a chord. Although the C major scale has no flat notes, the minor chord formula calls for you to make that third note (E) into a flat to build a C minor chord.

Now that you’ve learned some of the musical theory behind creating a C minor chord, you’ll learn to play it on the ukulele. We’ll show you how to play the C minor chord in a few different positions and give you tips on which versions of the C minor ukulele chord are easiest for beginners.

How Do You Play a C Minor Chord on a Ukulele?

There are a few different ways to play the C minor chord on your ukulele. We’ll start with one of the easiest versions of the chord and then work our way up to showing you some more advanced ways to play the Cm chord.

First, you’ll want to understand the names of the strings and where to place your fingers on the fretboard of your ukulele. We’ll also look at ukulele chord charts to help give you a visual sense of where to place your fingers.

• G = The fourth string

• C = The third string (lowest tone)

• E = The second string

• A = The first string (and highest-tone string)

Unlike the guitar, where strings are in a descending order, the lowest-toned string on a ukulele is actually the third string.

In our chord charts, we’ll also show you where to place your fingers on the frets. Take a look at this key to learn how to play a C minor chord on a ukulele chart. The horizontal lines represent your ukulele fretboard and the numbers or icons used show you your finger positions on each fret and which strings to strum:

• O - A circle above the string means to play that string in an open position

• X - An “x” above the strings means you won’t play that string or mute it when playing

• 1 = Index finger

• 2 = Middle finger

• 3 = Ring finger

• 4 = Pinky finger

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C Minor Chord on Ukulele: Cm 3rd Position (v1)

An easy way for beginners to learn the C minor chord on ukulele is this version, which is a simple barre chord. To play it, you’ll start by barring your index finger across the 3rd fret of the C, E, and A strings, leaving the G-string string open:

Index finger: 3rd fret of the A (1st) string, E (2nd) string, and C (third) string Open: G string (4th string)

Strum all four strings to play this version of the C minor chord on your ukulele.

Songs That Use the C Minor Chord

Now that you’ve learned a few ways to play the Cm chord, the fun part is weaving those chords into songs. While understanding concepts like the minor triad used to construct minor chords and the notes that make up the C minor chord on your ukulele, playing songs with the chords you’ve learned can feel satisfying for beginner ukulele players and more seasoned musicians, too.

One song you may recognize that includes the C minor chord is “Creep” by Radiohead. This classic ‘90s alternative track starts off subdued, building to a louder, soaring crescendo by the song’s end. Lyrically, the song takes the vantage point of an obsessed would-be lover from afar. It’s one part introspective and loaded with low self-esteem and one part… creepy. While the original used distorted guitar to provide the song’s backbone, playing “Creep” on the ukulele can sound just as mellow and moody. This version of the song uses just four chords: G, B7, C, and C minor. The C minor chord’s murky feel.

Check out Fender Play Ukulele Lessons

When you’re first learning to play the ukulele, it takes practice to learn to play the C minor chord. Some versions are easier than others. With practice and patience, it will become easier to hear the notes and for your fingers to find the right frets to make each version of the chord. Sign up for a free trial with Fender Play to learn more ukulele chords and start playing them in some of your favorite songs.