How to play the C9 chord on guitar

The C9 chord, pronounced "C dominant ninth," is a colorful and versatile chord that adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to any musical composition. Notable for its rich harmonic texture, the C9 is frequently used in genres such as jazz, funk, and soul. It can be heard in popular songs like "Purple Rain" by Prince and "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, adding a distinctive touch of elegance.

The most common way to play a C9 chord on guitar is on the 3rd fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a C9 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across strings 1 through 5 on the 3rd fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, play the first five strings starting with the A string while avoiding the low E string.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C9 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Strum only these two strings together.

This simplified version still captures the essence of the C9 chord.

The C9 chord is most commonly played in an open position, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing further up the neck or transitioning to other chords more easily.

Here's how to play a C9 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 3rd fret, covering all six strings (bar).
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
4. Strum from the 5th (A) string down.

The C9 chord is often used to add a jazzy, sophisticated, or dreamy feel to chord progressions. Here are some common progressions featuring the C9 chord:

• I - V9 - vi - IV (C - G9 - Am - F) Used in "Girl from Ipanema" and "Misty"
• ii - V9 - I (Dm - G9 - C) Used in "Fly Me to the Moon"
• I - vi - ii - V9 (C - Am - Dm - G9)
• iii - vi - ii - V9 (Em - Am - Dm - G9)
• I - III7 - vi - V9 (C - E7 - Am - G9)

To master the C9 chord, try arpeggiated drills. Begin by playing each note of the chord individually in ascending order: C, E, G, Bb, and D. Once comfortable, reverse the order and play descending arpeggios. Focus on clarity and evenness of tone.

Another effective drill is chord repetition. Strum the C9 chord in a steady rhythm, aiming for clean and crisp sounding chords. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy. Remember, consistent practice is key to building muscle memory and mastering this colorful chord.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the C9 chord:

1. Blue Moon by Frank Sinatra (C, Am, Dm, G7, C9)
2. Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra (Am, Dm, G7, C, F, Fm, C9)
3. Girl from Ipanema by Frank Sinatra (F, G7, Gm7, F7, Em7, A7, Dm, G7, C9)
4. Ain't Misbehavin' by Fats Waller (C, E7, A7, D7, Dm7, G7, C9)
5. All of Me by Frank Sinatra (C, E7, A7, Dm, Fm, C9)
6. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye by Ella Fitzgerald (C, Am7, Dm7, C9)
7. Moonglow by Benny Goodman (G7, C9, Fm6, C9)
8. Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin (C, Am, Dm, G7, C9)
9. Dream a Little Dream of Me by Ella Fitzgerald (C, B7, C9)
10. As Time Goes By by Frank Sinatra (C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C9)