V to I resolution
Use the dominant sound to pull strongly into a stable major tonic.
Guitar chord companion
C#9 Chord
Learn the C#9 chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1C#3E#5G#b7B9D#
Playable C#9 Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
C shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: x 4 3 4 4 4
A shape, fret 4
Low to high strings: x 4 x 8 6 7
G shape, fret 6
Low to high strings: 9 8 6 8 6 7
E shape, fret 9
Low to high strings: 9 11 9 10 9 11
D shape, fret 11
Low to high strings: 13 x 11 13 12 11
Full fretboard map
Every C#9 Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
CAGED
Common progressions using C#9
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 | B |
| 9 | 2 | D# |
Compatible Scales
Formula
R – 3 – 5 – b7 – 2