How to play the C69 chord on guitar
Unlock the lush sound of Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary" and The Beatles' "Something."
The C69 chord
The C69 chord, pronounced "C sixth added ninth," is a rich and versatile chord that adds flavor to many musical styles. It's built by stacking a major sixth and ninth interval on top of a C major triad. The C69 is notably used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul, adding a dreamy and sophisticated touch to progressions. It's also a favorite among singer-songwriters for its lush, open voicing.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common C69 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for C69 chord
The C6/9 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 8th fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a C6/9 chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 8th fret to form a barre chord.
- Place your middle finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 10th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 10th fret of the 4th (D) string.
Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the C6/9 chord, making sure each note rings out clearly.
How to play an easy C69 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C69 chord, try playing a regular C major chord (0-3-2-0-1-0) and adding your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. This will give you a C6 chord, which has a similar sound to the C69 but is easier to play.
How to play a C69 bar chord
To my knowledge there is no extremely popular barre chord version of a C69 chord. The C69 chord itself is quite uncommon and doesn't have a widely used barre chord shape.
Common C69 chord progressions
The C69 chord, a variation of the dominant ninth chord, adds a touch of sophistication and intrigue to chord progressions. Its unique voicing creates a dreamy, jazzy atmosphere that can evoke feelings of nostalgia, romance, or even a hint of melancholy. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the C69 chord:
- ii7 - V7 - I69 - vi (Dm7 - G7 - C69 - Am)
- I69 - vi - ii7 - V7 (C69 - Am - Dm7 - G7)
- I69 - IV - vii°7 - iii7 (C69 - F - Bm7b5 - Em7)
- I69 - ii7 - iii7 - vi (C69 - Dm7 - Em7 - Am)
- I69 - bVII7 - IV - iv (C69 - Bb7 - F - Fm) Used in "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Misty"
Drills to master the C69 chord
To master the C69 guitar chord, try these simple drills:
Strum the chord repeatedly, focusing on maintaining even pressure and a clear sound. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the chord shape.
Practice transitioning to and from the C69 chord, using common chord progressions like C69 to Am7 or C69 to F#m11. Work on smooth transitions, ensuring each chord rings out clearly before moving to the next. Incorporate these transitions into your favorite songs to make practice more engaging.
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Songs that feature the C69 chord
Here are 7 popular songs you can play with the C69 chord.
- Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder (C69, D, E)
- Siboney by Lecuona Cuban Boys (C69, G7, Dm7, Cmaj7)
- I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues by Elton John (C, Am, F, G, Em, C69)
- Mambo Influenciado by Chucho Valdés (C69, G7, C6)
- You Must Believe in Spring by Bill Evans (Fmaj7, Em7, Dm7, C69, Bm7b5, E7alt)
- Central Park West by John Coltrane (C69, Fmaj7, B7, Em7)
- Ana Maria by Wayne Shorter (C69, Fmaj7, B7sus4, Em7)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.
