Guitar arpeggio
C# Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio
C# Minor Add9 is a four-note added-tone arpeggio built from C#, E, G#, and D#. It is also commonly called C# Minor Add 9, C#madd9, and C# min add9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C#, E, G#, D#
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 9
- Semitones
- 0 3 7 14
- Chord symbols
- C#madd9, C#minadd9
- Also called
- C# Minor Add 9C#madd9C# min add9
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 add9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C# Minor Add 9 or C#madd9 or C# min add9.
Chord construction and defining tones
C# minor add9 is defined by b3 (E) and 9 (D#). It keeps the minor triad and adds the ninth without adding a seventh.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over C#madd9 and minor chords where the natural ninth is part of the voicing or melody.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C# Minor Add9 arpeggio from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Connect b3 (E) and 9 (D#) across two octaves and compare the color of the ninth against the minor third.
- Play over C#madd9, treating the ninth as a color tone that resolves to the root or minor third.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C# Minor Add9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard