C9(#11) Guitar Chord Chart and Fingering
Welcome to our detailed tutorial on the C 9(#11) chord, a rich and complex chord that belongs to the Dominant Chords family. This chord is composed of the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, and F#, and is built using the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, 9, and #11. Understanding these intervals and how they stack to form chords is central to mastering the C 9(#11) chord, and you can learn more about this in our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
When we break down the C 9(#11) chord, we find that it includes the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), Major Ninth (9), and Augmented Fourth (#11). If you're unfamiliar with these terms or need a refresher, our tutorial on fretboard intervals provides a comprehensive guide.
Learning to play the C 9(#11) chord requires understanding of more advanced concepts beyond beginner level. If you're ready to take your guitar skills to the next level, our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords can help guide you through this process.
The C 9(#11) chord is often used in jazz chord progressions, which frequently utilize maj7, m7 and 7 chord types. To delve deeper into this genre and its unique chord progressions, check out our tutorial on jazz chord progressions.
Once you've mastered the C 9(#11) chord, you may want to experiment with different chord shapes and inversions on the fretboard. Our tutorial on chord inversion can show you how to invert intervals in a chord to create new shapes.
In addition to our tutorials, we also offer an interactive tool to analyze chord shapes shown on the fretboard. This can be particularly useful if you have a chord shape and you're unsure how to name it.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of the C 9(#11) chord? Let's get started!
Notes of the C 9(#11) chord:
Chord formula for the Dominant Ninth Sharp Eleventh Added chord:
Fingerings for the C9(#11) guitar chord
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What notes make up the C 9(#11) chord?
The C 9(#11) chord is composed of the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, and F#. These notes correspond to the root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, and augmented fourth intervals, respectively.
Why is the C 9(#11) considered a 'dominant' chord?
This chord is part of the Dominant Chords family because it contains a root, major third, and minor seventh (C, E, and Bb in this case). This combination of intervals creates the distinct harmonic tension characteristic of dominant chords. The 9th and #11th are further extensions built upon this dominant foundation.
What do the '9' and '#11' refer to in the C 9(#11) chord name?
The '9' indicates the presence of a Major Ninth interval (D in the key of C), which is an extension of the basic dominant 7th chord. The '#11' denotes an Augmented Fourth interval (F# in the key of C), also known as a sharp eleventh, which adds a distinct complex flavor to the chord.
How are the intervals structured within a C 9(#11) chord?
The C 9(#11) chord is built using a specific stack of intervals: Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), Major Ninth (9), and Augmented Fourth (#11). For a C chord, these intervals translate to the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, and F#.
When is the C 9(#11) chord typically used in music?
The C 9(#11) chord is frequently used in jazz chord progressions. Its rich, complex, and tension-filled sound makes it a popular choice for adding color and harmonic sophistication within a jazz context, often appearing alongside major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th chord types.
Is the C 9(#11) chord suitable for beginner guitarists?
No, the C 9(#11) chord requires understanding advanced concepts beyond beginner level. Playing and grasping its structure involves familiarity with more complex intervals and chord voicings, making it an intermediate to advanced guitar chord.