C9
C Dominant 9th
1 3 5 ♭7 9
Notes in C9
CR
E3
G5
B♭♭7
D9
The C9 chord contains 5 notes: C, E, G, B♭, D
Intervals
| Interval | Semitones | Note | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | 0 | C | Root |
| 3 | 4 | E | Major 3rd |
| 5 | 7 | G | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | 10 | B♭ | Minor 7th |
| 9 | 2 | D | Major 9th |
About C Dominant 9th Chords
Dominant 9th chords extend the dominant 7th with a 9th, adding richness to blues and funk progressions. James Brown's rhythm guitar was built on 9th chord stabs. They have more color than a plain 7th but stay firmly in dominant territory.
Compatible Scales & Modes
These scales contain all the notes of C9 and can be used for soloing, improvising, and writing melodies over this chord.
C Mixolydian
Contains all the chord tones. The standard scale for dominant 9th chords.
C Blues Scale
Adds grit and attitude over dominant 9th voicings — essential for blues and funk.