Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the C Major 9th chord on piano, press the keys C, E, G, B, D simultaneously. In root position, C is the lowest note. First inversion places E in the bass; second inversion uses G as the lowest note.

Piano Chord

Cmaj9 Piano Chord

Major 7th with added 9th. Lush, dreamy sound used in jazz and ambient music. Learn the C Major 9th chord on piano with interactive keyboard, inversions, and audio playback.

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 Piano Chord

The Cmaj9 chord is a major 9th chord built on the root C. It contains 5 notes: C, E, G, B, D. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.

Major 7th with added 9th. Lush, dreamy sound used in jazz and ambient music. Mastering the Cmaj9 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of C.

Piano Finger Positions for Cmaj9

For the Cmaj9 extended chord, use these finger positions:

  • Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on C, middle finger (3) on E, pinky (5) on G.
  • Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on C, middle finger (3) on E, thumb (1) on G.
  • Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken extended effect.

Cmaj9 Chord Inversions

Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:

Inversion Bass Note Notes (bottom to top) Sound
Root C C – E – G – B – D Most stable
1st E E – G – B – D – C Lighter, less stable
2nd G G – B – C – E Open, airy

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 Piano

  • I–IV–V–I: Cmaj9 – Fmaj9 – Gmaj9 – Cmaj9 (classic cadence)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Cmaj9 – G – Am – F (pop progression)
  • ii–V–I: Dm – G – Cmaj9 (jazz turnaround)

Other C Piano Chords

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

9ª Mayor Chord in All 12 Keys

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

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cmaj9 Piano 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 piano?

To play the C Major 9th chord on piano, press the keys C, E, G, B, D simultaneously.

In root position, C is the lowest note. First inversion places E in the bass; second inversion uses G as the lowest note.

What are the notes in the Cmaj9 piano chord?

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

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

What is the best fingering for Cmaj9 on piano?

For the Cmaj9 extended in root position, use fingers 1 (thumb), 3, and 5 for a triad, or 1, 2, 3, and 5 for a extended chord.

Inversions may use 1, 2, 4 (first inversion) or 1, 3, 5 (second inversion).

What does the Cmaj9 chord sound like?

The Cmaj9 chord has a major 7th with added 9th.

lush, dreamy sound used in jazz and ambient music. It provides rich harmonic tension and expressive color within songwriting and jazz arrangements.

What keys does the Cmaj9 chord belong to?

Cmaj9 appears frequently across modal, jazz, blues, and contemporary progressions as an essential tension or resolution voicing.

What are the inversions of Cmaj9 on piano?

Cmaj9 has 3 inversions.

Root position: C–E–G–B. First inversion: E–G–B–C. Second inversion: G–B–C–E.

What chords go well with Cmaj9 on piano?

In the key of C major, Cmaj9 pairs naturally with F major (IV chord), G major (V chord), and Am (vi chord).

The I–IV–V–I progression is a classic way to practice these.

Is Cmaj9 a good chord for beginners on piano?

Cmaj9 has 5 notes, which may be challenging for beginners.

Start with the basic triad (root, third, fifth) before adding the full extended extension.

How do I use Cmaj9 in a chord progression?

Cmaj9 functions as the tonic (I) in C major.

A classic progression is I–IV–V–I: Cmaj9–F–G–Cmaj9. Practice this in both hands separately before combining.

What is the difference between C major and C minor on piano?

The C major chord (C–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones from root) for a bright sound.

The Cm chord uses a minor third (3 semitones) for a darker, more emotional sound.