Explore chords · Bass
C♯ minor add 9 chord on bass (C♯madd9)
Also called or written C♯madd9, C♯m add9, C♯ or C♯ minor Add 9th
C♯ minor add 9 is built from C♯, E, G♯, and D♯. This advanced bass voicing places the 9th in the bass, requiring a wide stretch across four frets.
C♯m add9/D♯ inversion
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionC♯–E–G♯–D♯C♯madd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionE–G♯–D♯–C♯C♯madd9/Eno shape on this instrument
- Second inversionG♯–D♯–C♯–EC♯madd9/G♯no shape on this instrument
- Third inversionD♯–C♯–E–G♯C♯madd9/D♯11-11-11-9
How do you play a C♯ minor add 9 chord on bass?
C♯ minor add 9 is played at the 9th fret as 11 11 11 9: middle finger on the E string at fret 11, ring finger on the A string at fret 11, pinky finger on the D string at fret 11 and index finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11 | 2 | D♯ (2) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 3 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (♭3) |
AdvancedThe hardest part is stretching the index finger back to fret 9 while the other fingers hold fret 11.
Why it sounds like that
C♯ minor add 9 stacks a minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 2nd above the root. The added 9th softens the minor quality compared to C♯ minor, which omits the D♯.
What goes wrong with C♯ minor add 9?
- Letting the index finger collapse and buzz the G string at fret 9.
- Allowing the pinky to drift sharp and fret the D string at fret 12.
- Muting the A string with the ring finger while reaching for the D string.
When to use it
C♯ minor add 9 works as the vi chord in E major, appearing in progressions like E–B–C♯m–A (I–V–vi–IV). Its dark, suspended quality suits slow ballads and atmospheric bass lines.
Changing to and from C♯ minor add 9
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 9th fret gives B minor add 9.
- From C♯ minor add 9, move the index finger up one fret to play D minor add 9.
Which voicing to use
The default voicing places the 9th, D♯, in the bass, creating a suspended, unresolved feel. Use this inversion when you want the bass to lead with tension before resolving to C♯ minor.
Other C♯ chords
Common questions
How is C♯ minor add 9 written?
C♯ minor add 9 is written as C♯m add9 or C♯ minor add 9. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What is the difference between C♯ minor add 9 and C♯ minor 9th?
C♯ minor add 9 contains the 9th but no 7th. C♯ minor 9th includes the ♭7, giving it a more dissonant, jazzy sound.
Can C♯ minor add 9 be played in a lower register?
Yes, but the stretch becomes wider. The same voicing can be played an octave lower by shifting all frets down 12, though the bass may sound muddy.