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Cmaj9 chord (C major ninth) on piano

Cmaj9 (C major ninth) has five notes: C, E, G, B and D. Its formula is 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. In major keys, Cmaj9 is the Imaj9 chord in C major and the IVmaj9 in G major.

Cmaj9 inversions and fingering

CEB
Shell (left hand)
C E B · LH 5-3-1
CBEGD
Two hands
C B E G D · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-1

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Cmaj9 chord facts
SymbolCmaj9
Also writtenCM9, CΔ9
NotesC E G B D
Formula1 3 5 7 9
Intervalsroot, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, major second
TypeMajor ninth chord

Cmaj9 across the keyboard

C3C4C5C1D9E3G5B7C1D9E3G5B7C1

Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: C3 (1), D3 (9), E3 (3), G3 (5), B3 (7), C4 (1), D4 (9), E4 (3), G4 (5), B4 (7), C5 (1).

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Questions

What notes are in the Cmaj9 chord?

Cmaj9 (C major ninth) has five notes: C, E, G, B and D. Its formula is 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. C is the root, E is the major third, G is the perfect fifth, B is the major seventh and D is the major second.

How do you play Cmaj9 on piano?

Play C, E, G, B and D together. Shell (left hand): C E B · LH 5-3-1.

What key is Cmaj9 in?

In major keys, Cmaj9 is the Imaj9 chord in C major and the IVmaj9 in G major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.

What is the difference between Cmaj9 and Cmaj7?

Cmaj9 is Cmaj7 (C, E, G and B) with D, the 9th, added.