Also written Cmaj9 or C
C major 9th contains C, E, G, B, and D. The open voicing mixes fretted and open strings, demanding precise muting of the low E.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C major 9th is built from the 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 of the C major scale. The major 7th B and the 9th D add a dreamy, sophisticated sheen. Compare it to C major 7th, which omits the 9th.
C major 9th serves as the I chord in C major, fitting progressions like C–F–G–C (I–IV–V–I). Its airy quality suits folk, pop ballads, and smooth jazz. It also works over C major and C major 7th.
The open voicing keeps C in the bass for a warm, root-position sound. The Cmaj9/E inversions put the third in the bass, creating a brighter, more forward feel. The 7th-fret barre voicing offers a higher register with the same root in the bass.
C major 9th is played in open position as × 3 0 0 0 0: index finger on the A string at fret 3. The D, G, B and high e strings ring open. The low E string stays muted.
Tip — Muting the low E while fretting the A string cleanly requires careful thumb placement and hand angle.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (1) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (9) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
| 2 (B) | open | — | B (7) |
| 1 (e) | open | — | E (3) |
C major 9th is played at the 7th fret as 8 7 9 7 8 7: barre your index finger across fret 7, middle finger on the low E string at fret 8, pinky finger on the D string at fret 9 and ring finger on the B string at fret 8.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8 | 2 | C (1) |
| 5 (A) | 7 | 1 (barre) | E (3) |
| 4 (D) | 9 | 4 | B (7) |
| 3 (G) | 7 | 1 (barre) | D (9) |
| 2 (B) | 8 | 3 | G (5) |
| 1 (e) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (7) |
C major 9th is played in open position as 0 2 0 0 1 0: middle finger on the A string at fret 2 and index finger on the B string at fret 1. The low E, D, G and high e strings ring open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | open | — | E (3) |
| 5 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (7) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (9) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
| 2 (B) | 1 | 1 | C (1) |
| 1 (e) | open | — | E (3) |
C major 9th is played in open position as 0 2 0 0 1 3: middle finger on the A string at fret 2, index finger on the B string at fret 1 and ring finger on the high e string at fret 3. The low E, D and G strings ring open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | open | — | E (3) |
| 5 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (7) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (9) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
| 2 (B) | 1 | 1 | C (1) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 3 | G (5) |
C major 9th is played in open position as 0 3 0 0 0 0: index finger on the A string at fret 3. The low E, D, G, B and high e strings ring open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | open | — | E (3) |
| 5 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (1) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (9) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
| 2 (B) | open | — | B (7) |
| 1 (e) | open | — | E (3) |
C major 9th is written C or Cmaj9. No enharmonic spelling is used.
C major 9th includes the major 7th B along with the 9th D. C add 9 omits the 7th, giving a less dense sound.
The low E is muted to preserve the intended bass note C on the A string, not because it clashes. It keeps the voicing clear and root-positioned.