Guitar chord
C Add9 Open Chord
A common open Cadd9 shape that keeps the C major base and adds D on the B string.
- Symbol
- Cadd9
- Chord tones
- C, E, G, D
- Formula
- 1 3 5 9
- Tuning
- Standard
- Frets, low to high
- X 3 2 0 3 3
- Fingers, low to high
- - 3 2 - 4 4
Chord fingering diagram
Read the chart vertically with the nut at the top. X means mute the string, markers above the nut are played open, and numbered markers show fretting-hand fingers.
How to play Cadd9
Fretting hand
Place finger 4 across strings 2 through 1 at fret 3, finger 3 on the 5th string at fret 3, and finger 2 on the 4th string at fret 2. Fret each note close behind the fret wire without resting directly on it.
Clean sound check
Let the 3rd string ring open. Keep the 6th string muted. Keep each barring finger close behind its fret, then test the covered strings one at a time before strumming.
Sound and use
Cadd9 keeps the major third and adds the ninth, producing a wider major sound without the flat or major seventh found in seventh chords.
Chord tone reference
Use the matching arpeggio page to study the same notes across the full fretboard, or open those chord tones directly in the interactive tool.
More C chords
Keep the root fixed and compare how the third, seventh, suspended tones, or added tones change the sound.
More Major Add9 chord shapes
Practice the same chord quality from other roots to reinforce its interval sound and common fingering patterns.