The C add9 chord (Cadd9) is made of the notes C, D, E and G. It is built from the root C with a ninth, a major third and a perfect fifth.
The add9 chord adds the ninth to the major chord, without a seventh: it sounds open and bright, very common in pop and modern rock.
C add9
Notes: C – D – E – G
Guitar — positions on the neck
Piano — root position and inversions
Fingerings and positions
On guitar, this chord can be played in 4 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x32030. On piano, the right hand plays 4 notes, in root position or in an inversion.
The notes of the C add9 chord (Cadd9) are C, D, E and G.
How do you play the C add9 chord on guitar?
On guitar, this chord can be played in 4 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x32030.
How is the C add9 chord built?
The C add9 chord (Cadd9) is made of the notes C, D, E and G. It is built from the root C with a ninth, a major third and a perfect fifth.