C add 9 chord on ukulele (Cadd9)

Also called or written Cadd9, C or C Add 9th

C add 9 is built from C, E, G, and D. The 3rd-fret voicing is the default, but the open Cadd9/G inversion offers an easier alternative.

Positions on the neck1 of 3

Practice C add 9 chord

How it is built

CRootEMajor thirdGPerfect fifthDNinth

Formula 1, 3, 5, 9

Inversions

Root positionC–E–G–DCadd95-4-3-5
First inversionE–G–D–CCadd9/E5-4-3-5
Second inversionG–D–C–ECadd9/G7-7-8-7
Third inversionD–C–E–GCadd9/D0-2-0-3

How do you play a C add 9 chord on ukulele?

C add 9 is played at the 3rd fret as 5 4 3 5: ring finger on the G string at fret 5, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 5.

Full note and interval breakdown

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

AdvancedThe pinky must reach the A string at fret 5 while the ring finger holds the G string at the same fret, stretching the hand.

Cadd9/D inversion

C add 9 is played in open position as 0 2 0 3: index finger on the C string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The G and E strings ring open.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	open	—	G (5)
3 (C)	2	1	D (2)
2 (E)	open	—	E (3)
1 (A)	3	2	C (1)

Cadd9/G inversion

C add 9 is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 8 7: index finger on the G string at fret 7, middle finger on the C string at fret 7, pinky finger on the E string at fret 8 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	7	1	D (2)
3 (C)	7	2	G (5)
2 (E)	8	4	C (1)
1 (A)	7	3	E (3)

Why it sounds like that

C add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between C and D adds a gentle suspension to the major triad. Compare C add 9 with C major, which omits the 9th for a more direct sound.

What goes wrong with C add 9?

The pinky collapses and mutes the A string, losing the 9th.
The index finger on the E string leans back and deadens the C string.
The ring finger on the G string buzzes because it is not close enough to the fret wire.

When to use it

C add 9 functions as the tonic in C major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression C–F–G–C. Its bright, open sound suits folk, pop, and country. Use C add 9 to add color to C major in a turnaround.

Changing to and from C add 9

From C add 9 to B add 9, slide the entire shape down one fret to the 2nd fret.
From C add 9 to C♯ add 9, slide the entire shape up one fret to the 4th fret.

Which voicing to use

The 3rd-fret voicing keeps the root C on the G string and is the standard shape. The Cadd9/G inversion at the open position places the 5th in the bass, creating a warmer, more grounded sound that works well in strumming patterns.

Other C chords

Common questions

How is C add 9 written?

C add 9 is written as Cadd9 or C add 9. The symbol C is also used, though it can be confused with C major.

What is the difference between C add 9 and C major 7th?

C add 9 contains the 9th (D) but no 7th. C major 7th contains the 7th (B) but no 9th. The add 9 has a more open, suspended quality.

Can C add 9 be played with a barre?

The 3rd-fret voicing uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Cadd9/G inversion at the open position also uses individual fingers. No barre is required.