C9 Chord (C dominant 9th) on Guitar
C9 (C dominant 9th) is made of the notes C – E – G – Bb – D. The easiest guitar fingering is x30310 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play C9
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (Bb).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 9 |
| 3rd string (G) | 3 | Bb | b7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 3 |
What is a C dominant 9th chord?
A dominant 9th chord stacks a major ninth on top of a dominant 7th chord. It contains root, major third, (fifth), minor seventh and ninth.
Notes and formula. C9 contains C, E, G, Bb, D. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th), 9 (major 9th).
Sound. Funky, jazzy and rich. It is a dominant 7th with extra colour.
Where it is used. Core chord in funk, soul, blues and jazz, such as the classic "James Brown" style stabs.
Tips for playing C9
You usually skip the fifth to keep the shape playable. Mute strings you do not need with the side of your fingers.
Common mistake: Strumming all six strings. 9th chords sound tighter when you play only the strings in the shape.
Scales to play over C9
Related chords
C9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C9 chord?
C9 (C dominant 9th) contains the notes C, E, G, Bb, D. The formula is R–3–5–b7–9 relative to the root C.
How do you play C9 on guitar?
The most common shape for C9 is x30310, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is C9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated advanced. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
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