Cmaj9
C Major 9th
1 3 5 7 9
Notes in Cmaj9
CR
E3
G5
B7
D9
The Cmaj9 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 | 11 | B | Major 7th |
| 9 | 2 | D | Major 9th |
About C Major 9th Chords
Major 9th chords combine maj7 with a 9th for a lush, sophisticated sound. They appear frequently in jazz ballads, bossa nova, and contemporary R&B. Steely Dan built entire careers on maj9 voicings.
Compatible Scales & Modes
These scales contain all the notes of Cmaj9 and can be used for soloing, improvising, and writing melodies over this chord.
C Lydian
Beautiful over maj9 chords — the ♯4 adds sophistication without clashing.
C Ionian
Works perfectly. The 9th is a natural scale tone.