How to play the C#7#9 chord on guitar

The C#7#9 chord, pronounced "C sharp seven sharp nine," is a complex and dissonant chord that adds tension to a musical composition. It's built on a C#7 chord with an additional sharpened ninth note, creating a unique and jarring sound. This chord is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B music to add a sense of unresolved tension and anticipation before resolving to a more stable chord.

The C#7#9 chord is most commonly played as a barre chord on the 9th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a C#7#9 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 9th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 11th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings in a downward motion, making sure each string rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C#7#9 chord, try playing a C#7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string, and ring finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string. Strum only the top five strings.

While the C#7#9 chord can be played in various positions on the guitar fretboard, learning the barre chord version allows you to easily transition between chords and play the chord in any key by shifting the shape up or down the neck.

Here's how to play a C#7#9 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 9th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 11th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The C#7#9 chord is often used as a passing chord or to add tension and resolution in chord progressions, creating a sophisticated and jazzy feel. Some common progressions featuring the C#7#9 chord include:

• I - C#7#9 - I (C# - C#7#9 - C#): Used in "Take the 'A' Train" by Duke Ellington
• ii - V7 - C#7#9 - I (D#m7 - G#7 - C#7#9 - C#)
• iii - C#7#9 - vi - ii - V7 - I (E#m7 - C#7#9 - A#m7 - D#m7 - G#7 - C#)
• IV - C#7#9 - iii - vi - ii - V7 - I (F# - C#7#9 - E#m7 - A#m7 - D#m7 - G#7 - C#)
• vi - ii - C#7#9 - V7 (A#m7 - D#m7 - C#7#9 - G#7)

To master the C#7#9 guitar chord, focus on drilling each note individually. Play the C#, E#, G#, B, and D## notes one at a time, ensuring each rings out clearly. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between these notes in different orders.

Next, work on strumming the full chord. Begin with slow, deliberate strums, gradually increasing speed as you gain confidence. Experiment with various strumming patterns and rhythms to develop fluidity and versatility with the C#7#9 chord. Regular, targeted practice will help ingrain this unique voicing into your muscle memory.

Here are 6 popular songs you can play with the C#7#9 chord.

1. In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington (C#7#9, F#m7, B7, E6, A6, D6, G6, C6)
2. Stardust by Hoagy Carmichael
3. All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern
4. Angel Eyes by Matt Dennis
5. Polka Dots and Moonbeams by Jimmy Van Heusen
6. I Remember You by Victor Schertzinger