Guitar chord C#9b5 - diagrams and theory
Welcome to our tutorial on the C# 9b5 chord, a rich and complex chord that belongs to the Dominant Chords family. This chord is built from the notes C#, E#, G, B, and D#, and its structure is defined by the intervals 1, 3, b5, b7, and 9. As you may know, these intervals refer to the distances between the notes in the chord, with 1 being the root or the note on which the chord is based.
Understanding and playing the C# 9b5 chord requires knowledge of music theory and chord construction. If you need a refresher on these topics, we recommend our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals and our tutorial on fretboard intervals.
In this tutorial, we'll provide you with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to help you visualize and play the C# 9b5 chord. You'll see how the tones that compose this chord are situated on the fretboard, which will help you understand the chord's structure and sound.
Being a part of the Dominant Chords family, the C# 9b5 chord shares some characteristics with other dominant chords. If you're interested in learning more about this type of chords, you might find our tutorial on dominant (7) guitar chords helpful.
The C# 9b5 chord is not a beginner chord, but rather one that requires some experience and understanding of guitar playing and music theory. If you're ready to tackle more advanced chords like this one, check out our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords.
Lastly, don't forget to use our interactive tool if you have a chord shape and you're unsure how to name it. It's a great way to analyze chord shapes shown on the fretboard.
Notes in the C# 9b5 chord:
Tones of the Dominant Ninth Flat five chord:
C# Dominant Ninth Flat five Guitar Chord Voicings
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
Barre
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
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FAQ
What defines a C# 9b5 chord?
The C# 9b5 is a complex Dominant Chord defined by its specific notes: C#, E#, G, B, and D#. Its unique structure consists of the intervals 1 (root), 3 (major third), b5 (flattened fifth), b7 (minor seventh), and 9 (ninth).
Why is the C# 9b5 considered a Dominant Chord?
The C# 9b5 chord belongs to the Dominant Chords family, sharing fundamental characteristics and a specific interval structure with other dominant chords, notably including a major third and a minor seventh.
What do the '9' and 'b5' in the C# 9b5 chord name signify?
The '9' indicates the inclusion of a ninth interval above the root, which is an extension beyond a basic dominant chord. The 'b5' means the fifth degree of the scale is flattened (lowered by a semitone), contributing to the chord's unique altered sound.
How do the notes C#, E#, G, B, and D# correspond to the C# 9b5's interval structure?
For the C# 9b5 chord, C# is the root (1), E# is the major third (3), G is the flattened fifth (b5), B is the flattened seventh (b7), and D# is the ninth (9). These notes precisely form the chord according to its theoretical construction.
What level of guitarist is the C# 9b5 chord appropriate for?
The C# 9b5 chord is not recommended for beginners. It is considered an intermediate to advanced chord, requiring a solid understanding of music theory, chord construction, and general guitar playing experience.