Cmaj9 chord
C major ninth. One shape on the neck below, with the notes it's built from and the keys it belongs to.
Notes
- C
- 1
- E
- 3
- G
- 5
- B
- 7
- D
- 9
The major third is what makes it sound bright and settled.
The major seventh sits a half step below the root, which gives it that soft, jazzy sound.
The 9th adds color on top without changing whether it's major or minor.
How to play Cmaj9
- Root on A
- x3243x
Want to know why this chord works where it does? The Intermediate lessons cover it, and founding players get them first.
Keys with Cmaj9
Cmaj9 uses only notes from C major, G major, A minor and E minor. It sounds most at home in C major.