All 5 ways to play C9 on guitar
-
x32333 at the 2nd fret -
x30310 open position -
x30330 open position -
878788 at the 7th fret -
x-x-10-9-11-10 at the 9th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play C9 on guitar
Main shape: x32333 (at the 2nd fret).
- Lay your ring finger (3) flat across the strings from the G (3rd) to the B (2nd) string at the 3rd fret (a barre).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
C9 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| E | 3 | major 3rd |
| G | 5 | perfect 5th |
| B♭ | ♭7 | minor 7th |
| D | 9 | major 9th |
Easier ways to play C9
- Play C instead: it keeps C, E and G and leaves out B♭ and D.
- Gm uses G, B♭ and D, all notes of C9; playing it leaves out C and E.
- In rock songs, the C5 power chord (C and G only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
C9 on piano and ukulele
-
C9 on piano C – E – G – B♭ – D -
C9 on ukulele 0201
Which keys use C9?
C9 is not one of the seven basic triads or 7th chords of a key, but all its notes (C, E, G, B♭ and D) are in the scales of F major and D minor, so it fits songs in those keys.
Transpose C9
Move the chord up or down by semitones to see its name and notes in another key.
original
Dominant 9th chords on every root: G9A♭9A9B♭9B9C9C♯9D9E♭9E9F9F♯9