C Dominant 9th

C9

Notes

C · E · G · Bb · D

Intervals

  • RootC (1P)
  • Major 3rdE (3M)
  • Perfect 5thG (5P)
  • Minor 7thBb (7m)
  • Major 9thD (9M)

Fretboard

EBGDAE357912EGBbCDECDEGBbGBbCDEGDEGBbCDBbCDEGEGBbCDE

About

The C9 dominant ninth (C–E–G–B♭–D) extends a dominant 7 with a ninth. The D adds brightness and harmonic richness without affecting the chord’s dominant function — the tritone between E and B♭ is still present and still drives resolution to F. The 3rd and ♭7 remain essential; the 5th is routinely dropped on guitar to make room for the 9th without creating a muddy cluster. Common in funk, jazz, and blues as a more colorful version of the dominant 7. Compared to C7, the 9th adds shimmer and modernity; the resolution tendency is identical.

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