Chord & FretCmaj9 — major ninth
Notes in Cmaj9: C – E – G – B – DFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9In 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 maj9 is the maj7 with the ninth added. It widens the triad without losing its restful character, with a romantic sheen.
The same chord on all four instruments
Where to use it: Ballads, bossa nova and neo-soul love this chord to open or close a song. It is the natural pick when a plain maj7 feels too plain — the ninth adds an extra glow without disturbing the rest.
Every region of the neck hides more shapes of Cmaj9. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; 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 Extended family.