Finger Positions

Root Note C

Name C major ninth over D

Intervals 1P-3M-5P-7M-9M

Relative Minor Am

Notes C, E, G, B, D

Aliases Cmaj9, CΔ9, C^9

How to play the Cmaj9/D Chord

The Cmaj9/D is a fundamental major chord in guitar music. To play this chord correctly, ensure your fingers are placed precisely on the frets indicated in the diagram above.

Music Theory Analysis

From a theoretical perspective, the C major ninth over D is built using the 1P, 3M, 5P, 7M, 9M intervals. In the key of C Major, this chord functions as the I chord.

Common Progressions

In music composition, the Cmaj9/D chord is often used to create tension or resolution.

I-V-vi-IV

C → G → Am → F

vi-IV-I-V

Am → F → C → G

The Diatonic Family

Understanding the "family" of chords that belong to C helps with transposition and ear training.

Triads

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim

7ths

Cmaj7 Dm7 Em7 Fmaj7 G7 Am7 Bm7b5

Scale Compatibility

View All Scales

Major Bebop Lydian Harmonic Major Bebop Major Ichikosucho Messiaen's Mode #3 Chromatic

* 8 scales found containing the notes C, E, G, B, D.

Acoustic & Digital Analysis

Digital footprint of the Cmaj9/D chord for MIDI programming and synthesizer sound design.

MIDI Numbers 60, 64, 67, 71, 62

Frequencies (Hz)

261.6255653005986, 329.6275569128699, 391.99543598174927, 493.8833012561241, 293.6647679174076