C Dominant 9th
Notes:C – E – G – Bb – D
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The C Dominant 9th piano chord (C9) consists of the notes C, E, G, Bb, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9.
Notes
C Dominant 9th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C4 – E4 – G4 – Bb4 – D5 |
| 1st Inversion | E4 – G4 – Bb4 – D5 – C6 |
| 2nd Inversion | G4 – Bb4 – D5 – C6 – E6 |
Key Signature
The key of C Dominant 9th has No sharps or flats.
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
The C Dominant 9th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-M9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-M9 show the distance between each note in the chord.
C Dominant 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C Dominant 9th chord?
The C Dominant 9th chord (C9) contains 5 notes: C, E, G, Bb, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9.
How is C9 used in music?
C9 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 C9?
C9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice C9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing C9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve C9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.