Guitar arpeggio
C Dominant 7 Sharp 9 Guitar Arpeggio
C Dominant 7 Sharp 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from C, E, G, Bb, and D#. It is also commonly called C Dominant Seven Sharp Nine and C 7 Sharp 9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C, E, G, Bb, D#
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 #9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 10 15
- Chord symbols
- C7#9
- Also called
- C Dominant Seven Sharp NineC 7 Sharp 9
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent C root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C root notes and connect the remaining dominant 7 sharp 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C Dominant Seven Sharp Nine or C 7 Sharp 9.
Chord construction and defining tones
C dominant 7 sharp 9 is defined by 3 (E), b7 (Bb), and #9 (D#). The chord retains its major third and flat seventh while the sharp ninth adds an altered upper tension.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over C7#9, altered dominant harmony, and dominant sounds that deliberately combine the major third with the sharp ninth.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C Dominant 7 Sharp 9 arpeggio from one C root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 3 (E), b7 (Bb), and #9 (D#) in small groups and keep the major third and sharp ninth in separate octaves so both colors remain clear.
- Emphasize the sharp ninth over C7#9, then resolve it by semitone when the harmony changes.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C Dominant 7 Sharp 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard