Guitar arpeggio
C# Minor 9 Guitar Arpeggio
C# Minor 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from C#, E, G#, B, and D#. It is also commonly called C# Minor Ninth and C#m9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C#, E, G#, B, D#
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 b7 9
- Semitones
- 0 3 7 10 14
- Chord symbols
- C#m9, C#min9
- Also called
- C# Minor NinthC#m9
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 minor 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C# Minor Ninth or C#m9.
Chord construction and defining tones
C# minor 9 is defined by b3 (E), b7 (B), and 9 (D#). It extends a minor seventh chord with the natural ninth.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over C#m9 and minor harmony where both the flat seventh and natural ninth are present.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C# Minor 9 arpeggio from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Practice b3 (E), b7 (B), and 9 (D#) without the root first, then add the nearest root to hear the full chord identity.
- Create a line over C#m9 that moves from the ninth through the flat seventh and resolves to the minor third.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C# Minor 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard