Article
9th Chords on Guitar: Rich Voicings for Every Genre
Learn 9th chords on guitar - major 9th, minor 9th, dominant 9th, and add9. Shapes, theory, and how to use these lush chords in your playing.
C9 guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 63 playable shapes
About the chord
C9 guitar chord
C9 is the C9 guitar chord. It uses the notes C, E, G, B♭, and D and the interval formula 1-3-5-♭7-9.
The C9 dominant 9 chord enriches the dominant 7th by adding a major ninth D, enhancing its tension with a colorful, jazzy flair. This extended harmony adds sophistication, frequently used in jazz, blues, and funk for dynamic progressions.
Also written as Cdom9.
Root note: C
Quality: 9
Chord tones: 5
Playable shapes: 63
Chord tones
CEGB♭D
Common guitar voicings
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
Shape 1
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- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
- 2 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
- 3 Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string.
- 4 Strum from the 5th string down.
Shape 2
x30330
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string and 3rd string in barre position.
- 3 Strum from the 5th string down.
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♭ Minor Seventh ♭7
The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.
D Major Ninth 9
The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.
Quick answers
What notes are in C9?
C9 uses the notes C, E, G, B♭, and D. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-♭7-9.
What is another name for C9?
C9 is also written as Cdom9.
How do you play C9 on guitar?
Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string. Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string. Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string. Strum from the 5th string down.
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