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.
Construction
C Major 9th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd = C · E · G · B · D
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| B | Major 7th | 7 |
| D | Major 2nd | 9 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C Major 9th is the tonic (I) chord of C Major, whose key signature has no sharps or flats.
Chords in the Key of C Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the C major scale:
C Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C Major 9th chord on piano?
The C Major 9th chord contains the notes C – E – G – B – D. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.