C9 chord (C dominant ninth) on piano
C9 (C dominant ninth) has five notes: C, E, G, B flat and D. Its formula is 1, 3, 5, b7, 9. In major keys, C9 is the V9 chord in F major.
C9 inversions and fingering
C E Bb · LH 5-3-1
C Bb E G D · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-1
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| Symbol | C9 |
|---|---|
| Also written | Cdom9 |
| Notes | C E G Bb D |
| Formula | 1 3 5 b7 9 |
| Intervals | root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major second |
| Type | Dominant ninth chord |
C9 across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: C3 (1), D3 (9), E3 (3), G3 (5), Bb3 (flat 7), C4 (1), D4 (9), E4 (3), G4 (5), Bb4 (flat 7), C5 (1).
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Questions
What notes are in the C9 chord?
C9 (C dominant ninth) has five notes: C, E, G, B flat and D. Its formula is 1, 3, 5, b7, 9. C is the root, E is the major third, G is the perfect fifth, Bb is the minor seventh and D is the major second.
How do you play C9 on piano?
Play C, E, G, Bb and D together. Shell (left hand): C E Bb · LH 5-3-1.
What key is C9 in?
In major keys, C9 is the V9 chord in F major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between C9 and C7?
C9 is C7 (C, E, G and Bb) with D, the 9th, added.