Cadd9 Guitar Chord | C Added Ninth
One of the most beautiful and versatile chords in the guitar world is the C add9 chord. Belonging to the Major Chords family, this chord is composed of the notes C, E, G, and D. It's a rich chord that can add depth and complexity to your music, making it a favorite among many musicians.
The C add9 chord is built using a specific set of music intervals: 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), and 9 (Major Ninth). Understanding these intervals is crucial to mastering the chord and its variations. If you're not familiar with these terms, our tutorial about fretboard intervals is a great place to start.
Learning to play the C add9 chord requires a good understanding of chord structure and fretboard patterns. Our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals can provide you with the necessary knowledge to master this and other complex chords.
Once you've grasped the theory behind the C add9 chord, you'll want to learn how to play it on the guitar. Our full tutorial on guitar chords includes detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones that compose the C add9 chord.
Finally, as you become more comfortable with the C add9 chord, you might want to explore other similar chords. Our tutorial on ninth (9) guitar chords is a great resource for expanding your chord vocabulary.
Mastering the C add9 chord can open up a new world of musical possibilities. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and let the music flow!
Notes that compose the C add9 chord:
Chord Formula:
Cadd9 Guitar Chord Diagrams
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If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Open
Position 3
Open
Position 4
Movable
Position 5
Open
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FAQ
What notes make up the Cadd9 chord?
The Cadd9 chord is comprised of four specific notes: C, E, G, and D. These notes are arranged to create its distinct sound.
What musical intervals are used to construct the Cadd9 chord?
The Cadd9 chord is built using a precise sequence of musical intervals from its root note C. These are the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), and Major Ninth (9).
To which chord family does the Cadd9 chord belong?
The Cadd9 chord is a member of the Major Chords family. This indicates its fundamental quality is major, offering a generally bright and consonant sound.
What does 'add9' signify in the name 'Cadd9 chord'?
The 'add9' in Cadd9 means that a Major Ninth interval (the D note, in the case of a C root) is specifically *added* to a standard C Major triad (C, E, G). This distinguishes it as a chord where the ninth is present, but the seventh interval is not included.
How does the Cadd9 chord contribute depth and complexity to music?
The Cadd9 chord achieves its depth and complexity by integrating the Major Ninth (D note) into the basic C Major triad. This additional note enriches the harmonic texture and provides a fuller, more nuanced sound compared to a simple C Major chord.
Why is the Cadd9 chord described as beautiful and versatile?
The Cadd9 chord is considered beautiful and versatile because its unique combination of a major tonality with the added Major Ninth creates a rich, expansive, and slightly open sound. This quality allows it to fit harmonically into a wide range of musical contexts, enhancing melodies without introducing harsh dissonance.