The C♭ Add 9 chord is a four-note chord made up of C♭, E♭, G♭, and D♭. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major ninth.
Construction
C♭ Add 9 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 2nd = C♭ · E♭ · G♭ · D♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C♭ | Root | 1 |
| E♭ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| D♭ | Major 2nd | 2 |
C♭ Add 9 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – D♭ |
| 1st Inversion | E♭ – G♭ – D♭ – C♭ |
| 2nd Inversion | G♭ – D♭ – C♭ – E♭ |
| 3rd Inversion | D♭ – C♭ – E♭ – G♭ |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C♭ Add 9 is the tonic (I) chord of Cb Major, whose key signature has 7 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of C♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the C♭ major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – D♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
C♭ Add 9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C♭ Add 9 chord on piano?
The C♭ Add 9 chord contains the notes C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – D♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Cb Add 9 chord?
The Cb Add 9 chord (Cbadd9) contains four notes: Cb (root), Eb (major third), Gb (perfect fifth), and Db (major ninth). This is the enharmonic equivalent of Badd9.
How does Cbadd9 differ from Cb9?
Cbadd9 has no seventh. Cb9 includes the minor seventh. Cbadd9 is open; Cb9 is dominant. In practice, Badd9/B9 are preferred spellings.
How is Cbadd9 used in music?
Cbadd9 is the enharmonic equivalent of Badd9. Musicians use Badd9 in practice. Cbadd9 appears in extreme flat-key theoretical contexts.
What songs use add9 chords?
Add9 chords appear throughout pop and rock music. Whether spelled Cbadd9 or Badd9, the sound is identical.
How does Cbadd9 differ from Cbsus2?
Both contain Cb and Db. Cbadd9 keeps Eb (major third); Cbsus2 replaces it.
Can I substitute Cbadd9 for Cb Major?
Yes — but in practice, use Badd9 for B Major. The sounds are identical.