C9 chord

C9 chord for guitar in different forms, including open and barre chords.

C9

B9 chord diagram X21222

The diagram shows the C 9th in closed position and with a semi-bar shape. Avoid playing on the 6th string. C9 is a five-note chord consisting of C, E, G, Bb, D.

Alternative shapes

C9

  • C9 chord diagram X32330

C9 barre

  • C9 chord diagram 8 10 8 9 8 10

C9

  • C9 chord diagram 8787XX

Relevant chords

C9sus4

  • C9sus chord diagram X3X331

C9#5

  • C9#5 chord diagram X32334

C9b5

  • C9b5 chord diagram X32332

Learn from video

Theory and information

Try in a chord progression

G13 - F11 - C9

Chord names

C9 is a dominant chord. C9/E, C9/G, C9/Bb and C9/D are inversions of the chord.

Notes in the chord

The notes that the C9 chord consists of are C, E, G, Bb, D.
To get C11 add F.
To get Cmaj9 replace Bb with B.

Intervals

The C ninth is constructed with the formula 1-3-5-b7-9. The 5th is sometimes omitted as in the pictured version below:


C7 chord diagram with intervals

Comments

The X32330 version can also be played as X3233X.

Inversions

1st inversion: C9/E (means that E is the bass note).
2nd inversion: C9/G (means that G is the bass note).
3rd inversion: C9/Bb (means that Bb is the bass note).
4th inversion: C9/D (means that D is the bass note).

Assorted slash chords

Versions with alternate bass notes in short notation:

C9/E: 032333
C9/G: 332333
C9/D: XX0310
C9/A: X00310
C9/Bb: X10010

Alternative chord names

C9/G is identical with Gm6/11.

Omissions

C9 (no3) is a C dominant 9th with no third E).
C9 (no5) is a C dominant 9th with no fifth (G).

Written in tab format (main version in open position)

- 3 -
- 3 -
- 3 -
- 2 -
- 3 -
- - -

Back to 9th chords

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