Also written C♯madd9, C♯m add9 or C♯
C♯ minor add 9 contains the notes C♯, E, G♯, and D♯. The default voicing uses an open E string, creating a bright, ringing quality.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C♯ minor add 9 is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between C♯ and D♯ adds the ninth, while the minor 3rd between C♯ and E establishes the minor quality. Compare C♯ minor add 9 to C♯ minor, which omits the ninth.
C♯ minor add 9 functions as the vi chord in E major progressions like E–B–C♯ minor–A, the I–V–vi–IV. It suits indie rock and folk, adding a shimmering extension to C♯ minor.
The D♯ inversion places the ninth in the bass for a suspended, airy sound. The E inversion puts the third in the bass, grounding the chord with a darker tone.
C♯ minor add 9 is played in open position as 1 3 0 4: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the C string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 4. The E string rings open.
Tip — The stretch between the index finger on the G string and the ring finger on the A string requires flexible fingers.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | D♯ (9) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
C♯ minor add 9 is played at the 4th fret as 6 4 4 6: ring finger on the G string at fret 6, index finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 6.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 4 | D♯ (9) |
C♯ minor add 9 is played at the 7th fret as 8 8 9 7: middle finger on the G string at fret 8, ring finger on the C string at fret 8, pinky finger on the E string at fret 9 and index finger on the A string at fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8 | 2 | D♯ (9) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 3 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 | E (♭3) |
C♯ minor add 9 is written as C♯m add9 or C♯ minor Add 9th. On a keyboard, the ASCII root is C#. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
C♯ minor add 9 includes the ninth but omits the seventh. C♯ minor 9 includes both the seventh and the ninth, giving it a more complex, jazzy sound.
The open E string adds a natural resonance that emphasizes the major 3rd between E and G♯. This brightness balances the minor quality of the chord.