C# Dominant 7 Flat 9 Guitar Arpeggio

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 flat 9 chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C# Dominant Seven Flat Nine or C# 7 Flat 9.

Chord construction and defining tones

C# dominant 7 flat 9 is defined by 3 (E#), b7 (B), and b9 (D). The dominant tritone supplies the function, while the flat ninth adds a strong semitone tension above the root.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio over C#7b9, especially on altered V chords resolving to a minor tonic.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

1. Play the C# Dominant 7 Flat 9 arpeggio from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
2. Isolate 3 (E#), b7 (B), and b9 (D) and resolve the flat ninth down to the root before practicing the full arpeggio.
3. Build tension over C#7b9 with the flat ninth, then resolve each altered or guide tone by the smallest available move.

Related arpeggio pages

Related scale pages

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning