C# Major Ninth Guitar Chord Charts & Variations
Welcome to our tutorial on the C# maj9 chord. This beautiful chord, belonging to the Major Chords family, is composed of the notes C#, E#, G#, B#, and D#. This chord is created by stacking intervals, specifically the 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), 7 (Major Seventh), and 9 (Major Ninth).
Learning to play the C# maj9 chord will not only expand your chord vocabulary but also enhance your understanding of the guitar fretboard and chord construction. For a more comprehensive look at various guitar chords, you can check out our full tutorial on guitar chords of all types.
Understanding the intervals that make up this chord is crucial. If you're not familiar with these, we recommend our tutorial on guitar fretboard intervals. This guide will help you understand how chords are built by stacking intervals, a fundamental aspect of guitar music theory.
Once you've grasped the concept of intervals, you'll be ready to dive into our tutorial on ninth (9) guitar chords, which will provide a more in-depth look at the C# maj9 chord and other similar chords.
Playing the C# maj9 chord may be more challenging than basic chords, but don't let that deter you. It's a fantastic chord to learn, especially if you're interested in jazz music, as it's often used in jazz chord progressions.
Remember, practice is key when learning new chords. Happy playing!
Notes of the C# maj9 chord:
Formula of the Major Ninth chord:
C#maj9 Guitar Chord Shapes
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
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 are the specific notes that make up a C#maj9 chord?
The C#maj9 chord is comprised of five distinct notes: C# (the root), E# (the major third), G# (the perfect fifth), B# (the major seventh), and D# (the major ninth).
Why are E# and B# used in the C#maj9 chord instead of F and C?
In music theory, notes are named according to their scale degree to maintain consistent interval spelling. For a C# chord, the major third is E# and the major seventh is B#, not their enharmonic equivalents F and C. This ensures each interval has a unique letter name derived from the C# major scale.
What specific intervals are stacked to build the C#maj9 chord?
The C#maj9 chord is constructed by stacking the following intervals from the root C#: the 1 (Root), the 3 (Major Third), the 5 (Perfect Fifth), the 7 (Major Seventh), and the 9 (Major Ninth).
What makes the C#maj9 chord part of the 'Major Chords family' and not another type of ninth chord?
The 'maj' in C#maj9 signifies that it contains a Major Third and, crucially, a Major Seventh interval. These specific intervals define its 'major' quality. Other ninth chords, like a dominant 9th (e.g., C#9), would typically use a minor seventh, creating a different harmonic sound.
Is the C#maj9 chord generally considered difficult for guitarists to play?
Yes, the C#maj9 chord is typically more challenging than basic chords. It requires precise finger placement to articulate all five notes and often involves stretching or specific fretboard voicings. Consistent practice is key to mastering it.
When would a guitarist typically use a C#maj9 chord in musical contexts?
The C#maj9 chord offers a rich, complex sound that is especially prevalent in jazz music and jazz chord progressions. Its sophisticated harmony is often used to add color and depth, making it suitable for genres requiring a lush or expansive harmonic texture.