Added 9th · beginner

C add 9(Cadd9)

C major with the bright color of its added ninth. A useful G-to-C variation for pop and folk.

Notes

CEGD

Intervals

R359

Finger placement

  1. AMiddle finger (2): fret 3 of the A string.
  2. BIndex finger (1): fret 2 of the D string.
  3. CRing finger (3): fret 3 of the B string.
  4. DPinky finger (4): fret 3 of the high E string.
Practice this chord →

Your progress

Not tracked yet

2134×CEGDG

Sounding notes shown below · low E on the left

× Don’t play○ Open string1–4 Fingers● Root (ring)

Choose a string to hear its note.

String & finger reference
C add 9, Open position
StringFretFingerNote
6 · low EMuted——
5 · A32C · root
4 · D21E
3 · GOpen—G
2 · B33D
1 · high E34G

Common mistakes

  • Accidentally muting an open string.
  • Strumming a bass string that should be left out.

Coaching tips

  • Keep your ring finger and pinky on the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings as you change from four-finger G.
  • Check the chord one string at a time before strumming across it.

Troubleshooting

An open string sounds muted

Arch the fretting fingers and check that no fingertip or finger pad is touching a neighboring open string.

The chord sounds muddy

Play each string on its own and leave out the muted low strings shown in the diagram.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C add 9 chord?

C add 9 contains C, E, G, D — the intervals R, 3, 5, 9 from the root C.

Is C add 9 a beginner chord?

C add 9 is rated beginner. C major with the bright color of its added ninth. A useful G-to-C variation for pop and folk.

C add 9: an open string sounds muted — what should I do?

Arch the fretting fingers and check that no fingertip or finger pad is touching a neighboring open string.

C add 9: the chord sounds muddy — what should I do?

Play each string on its own and leave out the muted low strings shown in the diagram.