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C 6/9

Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.

C6/9
C – E – G – A – D
Formula:R-M3-P5-M6-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M6-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-6-9

Introduction

C 6/9 piano chord, root position — C, E, G, A, D
The C 6/9 chord in root position on a piano keyboard, notes C, E, G, A, D.

The C 6/9 chord is a five-note chord made up of C, E, G, A, and D. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major sixth, and major ninth.

Notes

Notes:C – E – G – A – D

Key Signature

The key of C 6/9 has no sharps or flats. Every note is natural, which makes it the easiest key signature to read on the staff.

Chords in the Key of C Major

These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the C major scale:

C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — C Major (major)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IC MajorMajor
2iiD MinorMinor
3iiiE MinorMinor
4IVF MajorMajor
5VG MajorMajor
6viA MinorMinor
7vii°B DiminishedDiminished

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-P5-M6-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M6-M9

The C 6/9 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-M6-M9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-M6-M9 show the distance between each note in the chord.

C 6/9 — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C 6/9 chord?
The C 6/9 chord (C6/9) contains 5 notes: C, E, G, A, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-M6-M9.
How is C6/9 used in music?
C6/9 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for C6/9?
C6/9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-6-9, giving it its distinctive sound.

Practice Tips

  • Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
  • Practice C6/9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing C6/9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve C6/9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.

Related Tools

Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.