Cadd9 Chord (C add 9) on Guitar
Cadd9 (C add 9) is made of the notes C – E – G – D. The easiest guitar fingering is x30010 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Cadd9
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- 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) | 0 (open) | G | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 3 |
What is a C add 9 chord?
An add9 chord is a major triad with the ninth (the second note of the scale, one octave up) added. There is no seventh, which is what separates it from a 9th chord.
Notes and formula. Cadd9 contains C, E, G, D. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 9 (major 9th).
Sound. Shimmering and open, like a major chord with sparkle on top.
Where it is used. Very popular in pop, worship and acoustic songwriting as a richer replacement for the plain major chord.
Tips for playing Cadd9
Let the open strings ring. Add9 shapes often sound best when the top notes are open, giving a harp-like shimmer.
Common mistake: Calling it a 9th chord. A 9th chord includes the dominant 7th, add9 does not.
Scales to play over Cadd9
Related chords
Cadd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Cadd9 chord?
Cadd9 (C add 9) contains the notes C, E, G, D. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root C.
How do you play Cadd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Cadd9 is x30010, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Is Cadd9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.