C# Major 9th

Notes:C# – F – G# – C – D#
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9

Introduction

The C# Major 9th piano chord (C#maj9) consists of the notes C#, F, G#, C, D#. It is a major 7th chord with an added major 9th, giving it a lush, sophisticated character often used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul progressions. Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-7-9.

Enharmonic equivalent: C♯ is enharmonically equivalent to D♭. See Db Major 9th.

Notes

Notes:C# – F – G# – C – D#

C# Major 9th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionC#4 – F4 – G#4 – C5 – D#5
1st InversionF4 – G#4 – C5 – C#5 – D#5
2nd InversionG#4 – C5 – C#5 – D#5 – F5

Key Signature

The key of C# Major 9th has 7 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, E♯, B♯.

F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9

The C# Major 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# Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C# Major 9th chord?

C# Major 9th is built from the C# root. Check the interactive keyboard above for exact notes and fingering.

How is the C# Major 9th chord used in music?

C# Major 9th appears in jazz, pop, and classical contexts. Its sound depends on the chord quality (Major 9th).

What is the fingering for C# Major 9th?

See the fingering chart above. Right hand typically uses thumb on root. Left hand uses pinky on root.

What are the inversions of C# Major 9th?

Use the inversion buttons above to see each inversion with notes, fingering, and staff notation.

Practice Tips

  • Rich, extended jazz voicing.
  • The 9th adds colour and depth.
  • Practice dropping less essential notes.
  • Compare with the simpler 7th version.
  • Jazz, R&B, neo-soul applications.
  • Spread voicings sound best.