Guitar arpeggio
C Dominant 9 Guitar Arpeggio
C Dominant 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from C, E, G, Bb, and D. It is also commonly called C Dominant Ninth and C9. 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 14
- Chord symbols
- C9
- Also called
- C Dominant NinthC9
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 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C Dominant Ninth or C9.
Chord construction and defining tones
C dominant 9 is defined by 3 (E), b7 (Bb), and 9 (D). The dominant guide tones remain intact while the ninth adds an upper extension.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over C9, dominant funk and blues harmony, or a V chord that includes the natural ninth.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C Dominant 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) as a rootless three-note group in several positions, then add the root and fifth.
- Outline C9, emphasize the ninth, and resolve the third and flat seventh into the next chord.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C Dominant 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard