V to I resolution
Use the dominant sound to pull strongly into a stable major tonic.
Guitar chord companion
C9 Chord
Learn the C9 chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1C3E5Gb7Bb9D
Playable C9 Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
C shape, fret 2
Low to high strings: x 3 2 3 3 x
A shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: x 3 x 7 5 6
G shape, fret 5
Low to high strings: 8 x 5 7 5 6
E shape, fret 8
Low to high strings: 8 10 8 9 8 10
D shape, fret 10
Low to high strings: 12 x 10 12 11 10
Full fretboard map
Every C9 Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
CAGED
Common progressions using C9
Try these progressions to hear the chord in context instead of treating it as an isolated shape.
Minor-key dominant pull
The same dominant root can resolve into a minor tonic for a darker cadence.
Turnaround color
Place the dominant at the end of a turnaround so the next phrase has forward motion.
Chord Tones
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | R | C |
| 3 | 3 | E |
| 5 | 5 | G |
| b7 | b7 | Bb |
| 9 | 2 | D |
Compatible Scales
Formula
R – 3 – 5 – b7 – 2