C#add9 Chord (C# add 9) on Guitar
C#add9 (C# add 9) is made of the notes C# – E# – G# – D#. The easiest guitar fingering is 96666x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Main shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play C#add9
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 9 (C#).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 6 (D#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6 (G#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6 (C#).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 6 (E#).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 9 | C# | R |
| 5th string (A) | 6 | D# | 9 |
| 4th string (D) | 6 | G# | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 6 | C# | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 6 | E# | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
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. C#add9 contains C#, E#, G#, D#. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 9 (major 9th). It is also written Dbadd9; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
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 C#add9
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 C#add9
Related chords
C#add9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C#add9 chord?
C#add9 (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 C#add9 on guitar?
The most common shape for C#add9 is 96666x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is C#add9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is C#add9 the same as Dbadd9?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C#add9 and Dbadd9 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.