Guitar arpeggio
C# Major 9 Guitar Arpeggio
C# Major 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from C#, E#, G#, B#, and D#. It is also commonly called C# Major Ninth and C#Maj9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C#, E#, G#, B#, D#
- Formula
- 1 3 5 7 9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 11 14
- Chord symbols
- C#maj9, C#M9
- Also called
- C# Major NinthC#Maj9
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 major 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C# Major Ninth or C#Maj9.
Chord construction and defining tones
C# major 9 is defined by 3 (E#), 7 (B#), and 9 (D#). It extends a major seventh chord with the ninth while retaining the natural seventh.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over C#maj9 and spacious tonic-major or major-seventh harmony that includes the ninth.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C# Major 9 arpeggio from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Practice 3 (E#), 7 (B#), and 9 (D#) as the upper structure, then reconnect them to the root and fifth.
- Improvise over C#maj9 and alternate resolutions from the ninth to the root with resolutions from the seventh to the root.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C# Major 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard