Guitar Chord Dictionary: C# Dominant Ninth Chords
Welcome to our tutorial on the C# 9 chord. This chord, which belongs to the Dominant Chords family, is a rich and complex sound that can add depth and sophistication to your playing. The C# 9 chord is composed of the notes C#, E#, G#, B, and D#, and is built using the intervals 1 (the root), 3 (major third), 5 (perfect fifth), b7 (minor seventh), and 9 (major ninth).
Understanding the notation of these intervals is key to mastering the construction of the C# 9 chord. You can delve deeper into this topic in our comprehensive tutorial on how to denote chords based on their composing intervals.
If you're new to the world of dominant chords, our tutorial about dominant (7) guitar chords is a great place to start. This guide will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge about these versatile and commonly used chords.
For those looking to further expand their understanding of guitar chords, our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals offers a detailed exploration of chord construction. This knowledge will not only help you understand the C# 9 chord better, but also empower you to create your own chord variations.
Finally, if you're interested in learning more about the wider family of 9 chords, our tutorial about ninth (9) guitar chords is a fantastic resource. Here, you'll find more chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that will help you master these beautiful and complex chords.
Whether you're an intermediate player looking to expand your chord vocabulary, or an experienced guitarist interested in exploring new tonal possibilities, the C# 9 chord is a fascinating and rewarding chord to learn. Happy playing!
Notes of the C# 9 chord:
Tones in the Dominant Ninth chord:
Fingerings for the C#9 guitar chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Movable
Position 4
Movable
Position 5
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What are the specific notes that make up a C#9 chord?
The C#9 chord is composed of five distinct notes: C#, E#, G#, B, and D#. These notes, when played together, create the chord's characteristic rich and complex sound.
How are the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and 9 used to build the C#9 chord?
The C#9 chord is constructed by stacking specific intervals from its root note, C#. The intervals are the root (1st), major third (3rd), perfect fifth (5th), minor seventh (b7th), and major ninth (9th). Each interval corresponds to one of the chord's notes: C# (1), E# (3), G# (5), B (b7), and D# (9).
Why is the C#9 classified as a 'dominant chord'?
The C#9 chord belongs to the dominant chord family because it inherently contains a minor seventh interval (b7) along with the root, major third, and perfect fifth. This combination gives dominant chords a specific harmonic function, often creating tension that leads to a resolution.
What is the significance of the '9' in the C#9 chord?
The '9' in the C#9 chord indicates the inclusion of a major ninth interval, which is D# in this case. This interval extends the basic dominant seventh chord, adding a layer of harmonic sophistication and a distinctive, often colorful or jazzy, quality to the chord's overall sound.
Why is E# used as a note in the C#9 chord instead of F?
In music theory, intervals are named systematically based on their scale degree relative to the root. For a C# major third, the third note in the theoretical C# major scale is E. To make it a major third from C#, it must be written as E#, not F, even though F is enharmonically equivalent to E#. This ensures correct interval notation and consistent chord spelling.
What makes the C#9 chord's sound 'rich and complex'?
The C#9 chord achieves its rich and complex sound primarily due to the addition of the minor seventh (b7) and especially the major ninth (9) intervals beyond the basic triad. These extended notes introduce harmonic tension and color, providing a more sophisticated and nuanced tonal quality compared to simpler chords.