m#5 (m+5) chords
The Minor sharp 5th chord is an alternation of the minor chord. It's also referred to m+5, with a plus sign instead of a sharp, that is. This chord is identical to a minor triad except that the fifth is raised one step. By comparing Cm with Cm#5 we can see that the notes change from C, Eb, G to C, Eb, G#. This chord category should not be confused with the m7#5. Notice also that the minor #5 is identical with the second inversion of the major triad (for example, Em#5 is identical with C/E).
The m#5 is a uncommon chord and it's recommended to learn moveable shapes. Two alternatives are presented in the charts below with the root on either the 6th string or 5h string.
Minor sharp 5th
Cm#5
Dbm#5
Dm#5
Ebm#5
Em#5
Fm#5
Gbm#5
Gm#5
Abm#5
Am#5
Bbm#5
Bm#5
Comments
Em#5 can also be played as 0X2010 or 032010.
Notice that Dbm#5 is the same chord as C#m#5, Ebm#5 is the same chord as D#m#5 and so on.
Chord formula
The minor seventh sharp fifth is built with the formula 1-b3-#5. This includes the root (1), the minor third (b3) and a raised fifth (#5).
Open position
One example of this chord in open position is the Bm#5:
Notice that this chord also is spelled G/B (the 2nd inversion of G major).
Chord progressions
Progressions including this chord type:
Bm - Bm#5 (X2X433) - D
Am (5X555X) - Am#5 - Am13 (5X557X)
A similar sequence, but in another key, is used in the James Bond theme (fingerings given are only suggestions):
Em (XX2000) - Em#5 (XX2010) - Em6 (XX2020) - Em#5
Notice how the movement happens in the middle voice ( on the second string), in which the notes change B, C, C#, C.
In a modulation sequence from major to minor:
Gmaj7 (3X443X) - Gm#5
Alternate chord names
The minor seventh sharp fifth can be written in different ways. Sometimes it is instead written as m(b6).