Which notes are in the C#m(add9) chord?

C#m(add9) contains the notes C#, E, G# and D#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9.

How many ways can you play C#m(add9)?

Minory lists a single guitar fingering for C#m(add9), and it is a barre shape.

Is the C#m(add9) chord hard to play?

C#m(add9) requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.

Are C#m(add9) and Dbm(add9) the same chord?

Yes. C#m(add9) and Dbm(add9) are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

C# minor added 9th · Guitar

C#m(add9) Chord on Guitar

The C#m(add9) chord (C# minor added 9th) is built from the notes C#, E, G# and D#. The guitar fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Dbm(add9); both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

C#m(add9)barre shape · starts at fret 1

Fingering

string 6 (E): muted
string 5 (A): muted
string 4 (D): fret 1 — index finger
string 3 (G): fret 1 — index finger
string 2 (B): fret 2 — ring finger
string 1 (E): muted

Notes in this chord

C♯
E
G♯
D♯

Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9

Also written: Dbm(add9)

How to play

Every guitar shape for C#m(add9) needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 1. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.

Theory behind the chord

Minor add9 chords add the ninth to a plain minor triad without a seventh. The added tone brightens the minor colour just enough to keep it open and cinematic rather than sad. On C#m(add9) this structure sits on the root C#, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9 map onto C#, E, G# and D#.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the C#m(add9) chord?: C#m(add9) contains the notes C#, E, G# and D#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9.
How many ways can you play C#m(add9)?: Minory lists a single guitar fingering for C#m(add9), and it is a barre shape.
Is the C#m(add9) chord hard to play?: C#m(add9) requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
Are C#m(add9) and Dbm(add9) the same chord?: Yes. C#m(add9) and Dbm(add9) are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

Practise C#m(add9) on your phone

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