C Major 9th Guitar Chord (Cmaj9)
C Major 9th (Cmaj9) is built from C, E, G, B, D, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P - 7M - 9M formula measured from the root C. This page shows 48 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for Cmaj9
Notes in Cmaj9
- C1P
- E3M
- G5P
- B7M
- D9M
How to play Cmaj9
C Major 9th Guitar Chord (Cmaj9) is warm, jazzy and slightly dreamy.
Beginner tip
The major seventh interval is the whole character of the chord; check that the top note rings clearly.
Practice idea
Try it as the ending chord of a progression instead of the plain major triad.
Cmaj9 FAQ
- What notes are in C Major 9th?
- C Major 9th (Cmaj9) contains C, E, G, B, D. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P - 7M - 9M above the root C.
- How do you play Cmaj9 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "Cmaj9": low E at fret 4, A at fret 3, G at fret 3, high E at fret 3.
- Is Cmaj9 hard for beginners?
- It sits in the major seventh family. The major seventh interval is the whole character of the chord; check that the top note rings clearly.