What is C Major 9?
The C Major 9 guitar chord is formed by the notes C – E – G – B – D and is played using the fingering x32030. It’s a jazz chord commonly used in Cmaj9-Am9-Dm9-G13.
C Major 9 Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: 3th fret
4th (D) string: 2th fret
3rd (G) string: Open
2nd (B) string: 3th fret
1st (E) string: Open
How to Play C Major 9
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x32030.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
C Major 9 Variations
Cmaj9 (rootless)
xx2030
Jazz voicing without root
Cmaj9#11
x32032
Adds the sharp 11th for modern jazz color
Cmaj9/E
032030
First inversion with E in bass
Popular Songs Using C Major 9
Famous Examples:
- • The Way You Look Tonight
- • Stella By Starlight
- • All The Things You Are
- • Girl from Ipanema
More Hits:
- • Autumn Leaves
- • My Funny Valentine
- • Misty
Common Chord Progressions with C Major 9
Cmaj9-Am9-Dm9-G13
Extended chord progression in C major
Cmaj9-Fmaj9-Em9-Am9
ii-V-I with 9th extensions
Cmaj9-E7-Am9-D9
Sophisticated jazz progression
Cmaj9-Dm9-G7-Cmaj9
Smooth descending progression
Practice Tips for C Major 9
1. Jazz Essential
Fundamental chord for modern jazz and R&B
2. Voicing Awareness
Try different inversions and rootless voicings
3. Color and Texture
Adds richness without being overpowering
4. Smooth Voice Leading
Works beautifully with other extended chords
Music Theory Behind C Major 9
Notes in C Major 9: C - E - G - B - D
Scale: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
Key Signature: No sharps or flats
Relative Major: Am9
Cmaj9 adds the 9th (D) to the major 7th chord, creating lush harmony essential for jazz, R&B, and sophisticated pop music.
Master C Major 9 Today!
C Major 9 is an advanced chord that will expand your musical vocabulary significantly!