C minor major 9th chord on guitar (CmMaj9)

Why it sounds like that

C minor major 9th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7, 9. The major 7th B against the minor 3rd E♭ creates the chord's characteristic tension. Compare it to C minor major 7th, which omits the 9th D.

What goes wrong with C minor major 9th?

• Let the high E string buzz under the pinky at fret 10.
• Allow the middle finger to touch the G string, deadening the barre note at fret 8.
• Lift the index barre off the low E string, losing the root C.

When to use it

Use C minor major 9th in place of C minor for a more complex color. It suits jazz ballads and film-score tension.

Changing to and from C minor major 9th

• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 7th fret gives B minor major 9th.
• Move to C minor major 7th by lifting the pinky off the high E string and letting the B string ring at fret 8.

Which voicing to use

The 8th-fret voicing puts the root C in the bass for a grounded sound. The C minor major 9th/E♭ inversion at the 10th fret places E♭ in the bass, softening the chord's bite. Choose the D inversion when you want the 9th in the bass for a floating, unresolved feel.