Article
How to Read Guitar Chord Diagrams
Learn how to read guitar chord diagrams quickly. Understand dots, numbers, Xs, Os, and finger positions so you can play any chord chart at sight.
Cmaj9/D guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 41 playable shapes
About the chord
C major 9 / D (4th inversion)
The C major 9 major 9 chord adds a major ninth D to the major 7th, creating an expansive, ethereal sound. Its rich harmonic structure enhances the major tonality with a modern, sophisticated vibe, ideal for jazz, ambient, and cinematic music. With D in the bass, this voicing functions as the 4th inversion of C major 9.
Root note: C
Bass note: D
Chord tones: 5
Playable shapes: 41
Chord tones
CEGBD
Notes & Intervals
Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
C Unison (Root) 1
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
E Major Third 3
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
G Perfect Fifth 5
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
B Major Seventh 7
The major seventh adds a smooth, lush tension close to the root.
D Major Ninth 9
The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.
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