Explore chords · Bass
C minor add 9 chord on bass (Cmadd9)
Also called or written Cmadd9, Cm add9, C or C minor Add 9th
C minor add 9 is built from C, E♭, G and D. The 9th in the bass makes this advanced voicing feel suspended and open.
Cm add9/D inversionfrom fret 8
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionC–E♭–G–DCmadd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionE♭–G–D–CCmadd9/E♭no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionG–D–C–E♭Cmadd9/Gno shape on this instrument
- Third inversionD–C–E♭–GCmadd9/D10-10-10-8
How do you play a C minor add 9 chord on bass?
C minor add 9 is played at the 8th fret as 10 10 10 8: middle finger on the E string at fret 10, ring finger on the A string at fret 10, pinky finger on the D string at fret 10 and index finger on the G string at fret 8.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (2) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (5) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 4 | C (1) |
| 1 (G) | 8 | 1 | E♭ (♭3) |
AdvancedThe index finger must stretch to the 1st string at fret 8 while the other fingers hold fret 10 on three strings.
Why it sounds like that
C minor add 9 uses the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between C and D adds a bright colour. Compare it with C minor, which lacks the 9th.
What goes wrong with C minor add 9?
- Letting the index finger mute the 2nd string when reaching for the 1st string.
- Pressing the ring finger too hard, causing the 3rd string to go sharp.
- Failing to keep the pinky close to the fret, resulting in a buzzy note.
When to use it
C minor add 9 fits the I–V–vi–IV progression in E♭ major: E♭ major–B♭ major–C minor–A♭ major. It adds a gentle dissonance to ballads and slow rock.
Changing to and from C minor add 9
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 8th fret gives B♭ minor add 9.
- Move from C minor add 9 to C minor by lifting the index finger and moving the pinky to the 1st string, 8th fret.
Which voicing to use
The default voicing places D in the bass, giving a floating quality. For a firmer root, use C minor and add the 9th as a melodic note.
Other C chords
Common questions
What is the difference between C minor add 9 and C minor 9th?
C minor add 9 omits the 7th, while C minor 9th includes the minor 7th. The add 9 sounds more open and less jazzy.
Can C minor add 9 be played in a higher register?
Yes, the shape can be moved up the neck, but the bass note changes. Higher registers make the 9th in the bass clearer.
Why is the 9th in the bass?
The default voicing is an inversion with D as the lowest note. This inversion emphasises the 9th and creates a suspended feel.