How to play C Minor 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: x30343
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 3.
- Let the 4th string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 8(10)888(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 1st string (e) at fret 10.
Shape 3: xx(10)8(11)(10) (from fret 8)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 8.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 11.
- 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 Minor 9th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E♭ | ♭3 |
| G | 5 |
| B♭ | ♭7 |
| D | 9 |
The formula for C Minor 9th (minor ninth) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Cm9
Minor 9th chords are smooth and deep. Common in R&B, neo-soul and jazz, they give a minor chord a warm, spacious feel.
Other C chords
C, Cm, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other minor 9th chords on guitar
C♯m9, Dm9, E♭m9, Em9, Fm9, F♯m9, Gm9, G♯m9, Am9, B♭m9, Bm9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Minor 9th on guitar?
The easiest Cm9 shape on guitar is x30343 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 3. Let the 4th string ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C Minor 9th?
C Minor 9th (Cm9) contains the notes C E♭ G B♭ D. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for Cm9?
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.
check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.