Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the C Major 9th chord on guitar, find the notes C, E, G, B, D across the fretboard. The root C typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this extended chord shape.

Guitar Chord

Cmaj9 Guitar Chord

Major 7th with added 9th. Lush, dreamy sound used in jazz and ambient music. Learn the C Major 9th chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

Notes
C – E – G – B – D
Intervals
0 – 4 – 7 – 11 – 14
Type
extended chord
C E G B D
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
5 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the Cmaj9 Guitar Chord

The Cmaj9 chord is a major 9th chord built on the root C. It contains 5 notes: C, E, G, B, D. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

Major 7th with added 9th. Lush, dreamy sound used in jazz and ambient music. For guitarists, mastering the Cmaj9 chord unlocks many songs in the key of C.

Recommended Cmaj9 Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical Cmaj9 voicing. The chord notes (C, E, G, B, D) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play Cmaj9" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of Cmaj9

Degree Interval Semitones Note in C
Root Root (R) 0 C
3rd Major 3rd 4 E
5th Perfect 5th 7 G
7th Major 7th 11 B
9th Major 9th 14 D

Common Progressions with Cmaj9 on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: Cmaj9 – Fmaj9 – Gmaj9 (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Cmaj9 – G – Am – F (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Cmaj9 – Am – F – G (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing Cmaj9 on Guitar

Start by finding the root note C on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between Cmaj9 and nearby chords like F and G. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other C Guitar Chords

C
Major
Cm
Minor
C7
Dominant 7th
Cmaj7
Major 7th
Cm7
Minor 7th
Cdim
Diminished

Major 9th Chord in All 12 Keys

Cmaj9 C#maj9 Dmaj9 D#maj9 Emaj9 Fmaj9 F#maj9 Gmaj9 G#maj9 Amaj9 A#maj9 Bmaj9
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
Cmaj9 Piano
Piano chord diagram
C Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Cmaj9

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cmaj9 Guitar Chord — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How do I play the Cmaj9 chord on guitar?

To play the C Major 9th chord on guitar, find the notes C, E, G, B, D across the fretboard.

The root C typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this extended chord shape.

What notes make up the Cmaj9 guitar chord?

The C Major 9th guitar chord contains 5 notes: C, E, G, B, D.

These are derived from the major 9th interval formula applied to the root C.

What is the best guitar voicing for Cmaj9?

The most common guitar voicing for Cmaj9 uses a root position with C on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

Is Cmaj9 a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

Cmaj9 has 5 notes, which may require more advanced finger stretching.

Start with the basic extended shape and practice clean transitions.

What is a barre chord version of Cmaj9?

A barre chord version of Cmaj9 uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root C determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

What are common chord progressions with Cmaj9 on guitar?

Cmaj9 is widely used in jazz ii–V–I turnarounds, blues progressions, and modal funk vamps.

How does Cmaj9 sound different on guitar vs piano?

The Cmaj9 chord contains the same notes (C, E, G, B, D) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Can I play Cmaj9 as an open chord on guitar?

Open voicings of Cmaj9 require C to be playable within the first 3 frets.

If open shapes aren't available, use a barre chord voicing instead.

What is the difference between the Cmaj9 chord on guitar and ukulele?

The Cmaj9 chord contains the same notes (C, E, G, B, D) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

How do I practice transitioning to and from Cmaj9 on guitar?

Practice moving between Cmaj9 and its neighboring chords in the key of C major: F and G.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.