C minor added 9th · Piano
Cm(add9) Chord on Piano
The Cm(add9) chord (C minor added 9th) is built from the notes C, D#, G and D. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- C
- D♯
- G
- D
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9
How to play
To play Cm(add9) on piano, press C, D#, 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
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 Cm(add9) this structure sits on the root C, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9 map onto C, D#, G and D.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Cm(add9) chord?
- Cm(add9) contains the notes C, D#, G and D. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9.
Practise Cm(add9) on your phone
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