root position: Cmaj9
C – E – G – B – D
Cmaj9 Piano Chord
The C major 9 chord (Cmaj9) is made of the notes C, E, G, B and D. Its formula is 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9.
Notes in Cmaj9
| Note | Formula | Interval from root |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| E | 3 | major 3rd |
| G | 5 | perfect 5th |
| B | 7 | major 7th |
| D | 9 | major 9th |
How to play Cmaj9 on piano
- Right hand: fingers 1-2-3-4-5
- Left hand: fingers 5-4-3-2-1
Fingers are numbered from the thumb (1) to the little finger (5).
This chord spans more than an octave. Many players leave out the 5th, or play the root in the left hand and the other notes in the right.
Cmaj9 inversions
1st inversion: Cmaj9/E
E – G – B – C – D
2nd inversion: Cmaj9/G
G – B – C – D – E
3rd inversion: Cmaj9/B
B – C – D – E – G
Other names for Cmaj9
Cmaj9 is also written as CM9, CΔ9.
Keys that contain Cmaj9
Cmaj9 is not one of the basic chords of any major or minor key. It is usually used as a passing or colour chord.