Chord & FretC(b5) on cavaquinho
On the cavaquinho, four steel strings tuned D–G–B–D pack the chord into a small, bright space — every finger counts. In this C(b5) voicing the bass is E and the shape runs from fret 2 to 5. Its four steel strings give a bright, sharp attack that cuts through the mix and drives the beat.
Notes in C(b5): C – E – GbFormula: 1 – 3 – b5In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
Where to use it: A rare, modern colour; in practice it shows up far more with the seventh attached, as C7(b5), than on its own.
The shapes of C(b5) on cavaquinho don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.
See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →Part of the Triads family.