Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the C# Add9 chord on guitar, find the notes C#, F, G#, 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 seventh chord shape.

Guitar Chord

C#add9 Guitar Chord

Major triad with an added 9th (no 7th). Lush, open sound popular in pop. Learn the C# Add9 chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

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

Playing the C#add9 Guitar Chord

The C#add9 chord is a add9 chord built on the root C#. It contains 4 notes: C#, F, G#, D#. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

Major triad with an added 9th (no 7th). Lush, open sound popular in pop. For guitarists, mastering the C#add9 chord unlocks many songs in the key of C#.

Recommended C#add9 Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical C#add9 voicing. The chord notes (C#, F, G#, D#) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play C#add9" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of C#add9

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

Common Progressions with C#add9 on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: C#add9 – F#add9 – G#add9 (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: C#add9 – G# – A#m – F# (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: C#add9 – A#m – F# – G# (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing C#add9 on Guitar

Start by finding the root note C# on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between C#add9 and nearby chords like F# and G#. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other C# Guitar Chords

C#
Major
C#m
Minor
C#7
Dominant 7th
C#maj7
Major 7th
C#m7
Minor 7th
C#dim
Diminished

Add9 Chord in All 12 Keys

Cadd9 C#add9 Dadd9 D#add9 Eadd9 Fadd9 F#add9 Gadd9 G#add9 Aadd9 A#add9 Badd9
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
C#add9 Piano
Piano chord diagram
C# Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using C#add9

Knowledge Base & FAQs

C#add9 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 C#add9 chord on guitar?

To play the C# Add9 chord on guitar, find the notes C#, F, G#, 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 seventh chord shape.

What notes make up the C#add9 guitar chord?

The C# Add9 guitar chord contains 4 notes: C#, F, G#, D#.

These are derived from the add9 interval formula applied to the root C#.

What is the best guitar voicing for C#add9?

The most common guitar voicing for C#add9 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 C#add9 a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

C#add9 has 4 notes, which may require more advanced finger stretching.

Start with the basic seventh shape and practice clean transitions.

What is a barre chord version of C#add9?

A barre chord version of C#add9 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 C#add9 on guitar?

C#add9 is widely used in jazz ii–V–I turnarounds, blues progressions, and modal funk vamps.

How does C#add9 sound different on guitar vs piano?

The C#add9 chord contains the same notes (C#, F, G#, 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 C#add9 as an open chord on guitar?

Open voicings of C#add9 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 C#add9 chord on guitar and ukulele?

The C#add9 chord contains the same notes (C#, F, G#, 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 C#add9 on guitar?

Practice moving between C#add9 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.