How to play C Dominant 9th 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: x30330
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3.
- Let the 4th, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 855556 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 5th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 6.
Shape 3: 8(10)898(10) (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 6th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 10.
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 Dominant 9th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E | 3 |
| G | 5 |
| B♭ | ♭7 |
| D | 9 |
The formula for C Dominant 9th (ninth chord) is 1 3 5 ♭7 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use C9
Dominant 9th chords are a richer, smoother version of the dominant 7th. They are the sound of funk, soul and blues: the same pull towards the next chord, with more colour.
Other C chords
C, Cm, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other dominant 9th chords on guitar
D♭9, D9, E♭9, E9, F9, F♯9, G9, A♭9, A9, B♭9, B9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Dominant 9th on guitar?
The easiest C9 shape on guitar is x30330 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3. 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 Dominant 9th?
C Dominant 9th (C9) contains the notes C E G B♭ D. The formula is 1 3 5 ♭7 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for C9?
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 Dominant 9th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.