Skip to content
Chord & Fret

Cadd9 — major added ninth

Notes in Cadd9: C – E – G – DFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 9

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The add9 adds the ninth to the major triad without including the seventh. It is one of the best ways to enrich a chord without raising the tension too much.

The same chord on all four instruments

Cadd9, x 3 2 0 3 0Cadd9213×CEGDE
Guitar
Cadd9, x 3 2 0 3 0Cadd9213×CEGDE
Electric guitar
Cadd9, 2 0 1 0Cadd921EGCD
Cavaquinho
Cadd9, 0 2 0 3Cadd912GDEC
Ukulele

Where to use it: Pop, country, worship, MPB and romantic sertanejo.

This is just one shape of Cadd9. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Added-tone family.

Other chords in this family

Cm(add9)

See all chord types and qualities →