C Major 9th
Hear the C Major 9th chord played for you.
Cmaj9
C – E – G – B – 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 chord is a five-note chord made up of C, E, G, B, and D. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth.
The C Major 9th piano chord (Cmaj9) consists of the notes C, E, G, B, 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.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of C Major 9th 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)
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?
The C Major 9th chord (Cmaj9) contains five notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), B (major seventh), and D (major ninth). It is Cmaj7 with an added ninth — one of the lushest chords in music.
How does Cmaj9 differ from C9?
Cmaj9 has a major seventh (B). C9 has a minor seventh (Bb). Cmaj9 sounds dreamy, lush, and resolved; C9 sounds bluesy and dominant. They have completely different functions.
How does Cmaj9 differ from Cadd9?
Cmaj9 includes the major seventh (B): C–E–G–B–D. Cadd9 has no seventh: C–E–G–D. Cmaj9 is warmer and more complex; Cadd9 is brighter and simpler.
How is Cmaj9 used in music?
Cmaj9 is the ultimate tonic chord in jazz and neo-soul. It is Cmaj7 made even more lush. Cmaj9 appears in jazz ballads, bossa nova, neo-soul, lo-fi hip-hop, and city pop as a rich, sophisticated resting chord.
What songs use Major 9th chords?
Major 9th chords are signature sounds of neo-soul, lo-fi, and jazz: D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Robert Glasper build entire songs on maj9 foundations. Bossa nova standards use maj9 as the default tonic voicing.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth (G): C–E–B–D is a clean four-note voicing. Or drop the root for the rootless voicing E–G–B–D (an Em7 shape), standard when a bassist covers C.
Practice Tips
- Play Cmaj7 then add D on top — hear the lush, dreamy expansion the ninth brings.
- Drop the fifth: C–E–B–D is the practical four-note voicing for Cmaj9.
- Cmaj9 is the ultimate jazz tonic — practice Dm9 → G13 → Cmaj9 for a lush ii–V–I.
- Compare Cmaj9 with C9 — major seventh (B) vs minor seventh (Bb) creates completely different moods.
- Cmaj9 is a lo-fi and neo-soul staple — try looping it with a relaxed rhythm for instant atmosphere.
- Rootless voicing: E–G–B–D (an Em7 shape over C bass) is the standard jazz approach.
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.