C added 9th · Piano
Cadd9 Chord on Piano
The Cadd9 chord (C added 9th) is built from the notes C, E, G and D. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- C
- E
- G
- D
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 9
How to play
To play Cadd9 on piano, press C, E, G and D together. In root position the lowest note is C, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.
Theory behind the chord
Add9 chords keep the full major triad and add the ninth without a seventh. The extra note widens the chord without making it sound jazzy, which is why it is everywhere in modern acoustic pop. On Cadd9 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 Cadd9 chord?
- Cadd9 contains the notes C, E, G and D. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9.
Practise Cadd9 on your phone
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