C 6th Added 9th

C6add9

Notes

C · E · G · A · D

Intervals

  • RootC (1P)
  • Major 3rdE (3M)
  • Perfect 5thG (5P)
  • Major 6thA (6M)
  • Major 9thD (9M)

Fretboard

EBGDAE357912EGACDECDEGAGACDEGDEGACDACDEGAEGACDE

About

The C6/9 (C–E–G–A–D) combines the warmth of the 6th with the openness of the 9th, deliberately omitting the 7th. This keeps the chord stable and resolved — unlike extensions that include a 7th, it does not imply harmonic motion. It is a rich tonic color used in jazz, R&B, and gospel as a final or resting chord. Both the A and D are essential to the sound; the 5th can be omitted in compact voicings. On guitar, spread voicings that separate the 6 and 9 allow both extensions to speak clearly without muddiness. Compared to CMaj9, the 6/9 is warmer and more grounded; compared to Cadd9, fuller.

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