Cadd9 Guitar Chord
C Add9 · C–E–G–D
Cadd9 is the C add9 chord: C–E–G–D. Its sound is colorful and modern — a plain triad sweetened with the 9th, all over 90s rock and acoustic pop.
Unlike C9, Cadd9 skips the ♭7 and just stacks the 9th (D) on the plain triad — color without jazz function. It shines on acoustic guitar where the 9th can ring against open strings, and it's the secret behind countless 90s alt-rock and worship progressions in C and G.
The easiest way to play Cadd9 is the open-position shape (x 3 2 0 3 0, low E string to high E string), which uses open strings and stays in the first few frets. Below you'll find 4 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Cadd9: 4 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Cadd9 Chord Theory
| Interval | R | 3 | 5 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | E | G | D |
Cadd9 is built from the C major scale.
Cadd9 Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Cadd9 chord?
Cadd9 contains 4 notes: C (R), E (3), G (5), D (9). The interval formula for a add9 chord is R–3–5–9.
What is the easiest way to play Cadd9 on guitar?
Use the open-position shape: x 3 2 0 3 0 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). It uses open strings, so it needs the least finger strength.
Is Cadd9 a major or minor chord?
Cadd9 is built on a major triad (C–E–G) with the 9 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.
What keys use the Cadd9 chord?
Cadd9 appears diatonically in C major (as I), G major (as IV), and F major (as V) — plus A minor, its relative minor key.
Related Chords
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