How to play C 6/9 on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x30230
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3.
- Let the 4th, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 855555 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 8.
Shape 3: xx(10)9(10)(10) (from fret 9)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 10.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 10.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in C 6/9
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E | 3 |
| G | 5 |
| A | 6 |
| D | 9 |
The formula for C 6/9 (six nine) is 1 3 5 6 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use C6/9
The 6/9 chord is a warm, finished-sounding major chord with no seventh. It is the classic last chord of a jazz tune and works as a rich home chord in pop and bossa nova.
Other C chords
C, Cm, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other 6/9 chords on guitar
D♭6/9, D6/9, E♭6/9, E6/9, F6/9, F♯6/9, G6/9, A♭6/9, A6/9, B♭6/9, B6/9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C 6/9 on guitar?
The easiest C6/9 shape on guitar is x30230 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3. Let the 4th, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C 6/9?
C 6/9 (C6/9) contains the notes C E G A D. The formula is 1 3 5 6 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for C6/9?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See C 6/9 on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.