Cm Chord On Banjo

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert we’ve got you covered with the most complete list of common finger positions and inversions of the Cm chord on a banjo.

All of the following chord positions are based on a 4 or 5 string banjo tuned to standard open G tuning. If you are playing a 4 string banjo the finger position is the same for each chord. Just ignore the top (fifth) string.

The Most Common Cm Banjo Chord Position

Cm Chord On Banjo

The most common way to play the Cm chord on a banjo is:

  • The fifth string is played open.
  • Place your index finger on the forth string behind the first fret.
  • The third string is played open.
  • Place your middle finger on the second string behind the first fret.
  • Place your pinky finger on the first string behind the first fret.

Although this is the most common this is not the only way to play this chord. Once you have mastered this position, check out the Cm banjo chord inversions below for alternate finger positions to enhance your banjo playing skills.

Notes In A C Minor Chord

The Cm banjo chord includes the notes C, E flat and G.

  • The C note (root) is played on the second string, first fret.
  • The E flat note (minor) is played on the forth and first string, first fret.
  • The G note (major) is played on the fifth and third string, open.

C Minor Banjo Chord Inversions

As you may know the same notes are available at many different positions on the banjo fretboard. An inversion is simply just another way of positioning your fingers on the banjo neck to play a familiar chord.

Below is a list of alternate finger positioning for Cm banjo chords. Have some fun with them, maybe you’ll figure out a new way to play an old song.

C Minor Banjo Chord Inversion 1

Cm Chord On Banjo Inversion 1
  • The fifth string is played open.
  • Place your middle finger on the forth string behind the fifth fret.
  • Place your ring finger on the third string behind the fifth fret.
  • Place your index finger on the second string behind the forth fret.
  • Place your pinky finger on the first string behind the fifth fret.
  • The C note (root) is played on the third string, fifth fret.
  • The E flat note (minor) is played on the second string, forth fret.
  • The G note (major) is played on the fifth string open and the forth and first string, fifth fret.

C Minor Banjo Chord Inversion 2

Cm Chord On Banjo Inversion 2
  • The fifth string is played open.
  • Place your ring finger on the forth string behind the tenth fret.
  • Place your index finger across the third and second string behind the eighth fret.
  • Place your pinky finger on the first string behind the tenth fret.
  • The C note (root) is played on the forth and first string, tenth fret.
  • The E flat note (minor) is played on the third string, eighth fret.
  • The G note (major) is played on the fifth string open and the second string, eighth fret.