Tools / Chords / C minor add 9

C minor add 9 chord on bass (Cmadd9)

Also written Cmadd9, Cm add9 or C

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 inversion10-10-10-8

How it’s built

C1Root

E♭♭3Minor 3rd

G5Perfect 5th

D99th

Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9

Inversions

The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.

Root positionC–E♭–G–DCmadd9Bass C

First inversionE♭–G–D–CCmadd9/E♭Bass E♭

Second inversionG–D–C–E♭Cmadd9/GBass G

Third inversionD–C–E♭–GCmadd9/DBass D

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.

How do you play a C minor add 9 chord on bass?

Cm add9/D inversion

Intermediate● On the diagram

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.

Tip — The index finger must stretch to the 1st string at fret 8 while the other fingers hold fret 10 on three strings.

String-by-string breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (E)	10	2	D (9)
3 (A)	10	3	G (5)
2 (D)	10	4	C (1)
1 (G)	8	1	E♭ (♭3)

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.

String

Fret

Finger

Note

4 (E)

D (9)

3 (A)

G (5)

2 (D)

C (1)

1 (G)

E♭ (♭3)