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Cadd9 chord on guitar

Cadd9 (C add nine) is C, E, G and D. The easiest way to play it is the open Cadd9 chord, written x32033. Put your 1st finger (index) on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Put your 2nd finger (middle) on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Put your 3rd finger (ring) on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Put your 4th finger (little) on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Let the 3rd string ring open. Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

Cadd9

C add nine · C E G D · 1 3 5 9

  • Open position

    Open chord

    2134CEGDG

    x32033

  • 2nd fret

    Root on the 5th string

    2fr21433CECDG

    x32533

Or pick another chord to see and hear it

Root
Chord

Dots show where each finger goes, numbered 1 (index) to 4 (little); the green ones are C, the root.

How to play Cadd9

Strings are counted from the thinnest: the 1st is the high E and the 6th the low E. Each shape is written as tab from the 6th string to the 1st, a number for the fret to press, 0 for an open string and x for one not played.

  1. 1. Open chord · Open position

    x32033
    • Put your 1st finger (index) on the 4th string, 2nd fret.
    • Put your 2nd finger (middle) on the 5th string, 3rd fret.
    • Put your 3rd finger (ring) on the 2nd string, 3rd fret.
    • Put your 4th finger (little) on the 1st string, 3rd fret.
    • Let the 3rd string ring open.
    • Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

  2. 2. Root on the 5th string · 2nd fret

    x32533
    • Put your 1st finger (index) on the 4th string, 2nd fret.
    • Put your 2nd finger (middle) on the 5th string, 3rd fret.
    • Lay your 3rd finger (ring) flat across the 2nd and 1st strings at the 3rd fret.
    • Put your 4th finger (little) on the 3rd string, 5th fret.
    • Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

Notes in the Cadd9 chord

Cadd9 is C, E, G and D, and it sounds bright, like a major chord with a shimmer on top. From C, count 4 half steps up to E, 3 more to G and 7 more to D. Its formula is 1 3 5 9. The shapes above play these notes in different orders and octaves, some more than once, but always with C lowest. See its inversions and keys on the Cadd9 piano chord page.

Chords that often come after Cadd9

G320003Cadd9 to G is I to V, a bright pop move.Fadd9xx3213Cadd9 to Fadd9 is I to IV, both with the ninth on top.Am7x02010Cadd9 to Am7 is I to vi7, soft and open.

More guitar chords

Other chords on C

CCmC7Cmaj7Cm7Csus2Csus4C9C6CdimCm7♭5Cdim7Caug

Add nine chords on other notes

D♭add9Dadd9E♭add9Eadd9Fadd9F♯add9Gadd9A♭add9Aadd9B♭add9Badd9

Or see every chord at once on the guitar chord chart.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Cadd9 on guitar?

The easiest way to play it is the open Cadd9 chord, written x32033. Put your 1st finger (index) on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Put your 2nd finger (middle) on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Put your 3rd finger (ring) on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Put your 4th finger (little) on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Let the 3rd string ring open. Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

What notes are in the Cadd9 chord?

Cadd9 is C, E, G and D. In the shape written x32033, the 5th to 1st strings play C, E, G, D and G.

Is Cadd9 a barre chord?

No: none of its shapes here needs a barre.

How many ways can you play Cadd9 on guitar?

This page shows two: x32033 (open position) and x32533 (2nd fret). Any chord can be played in more places up the neck; these are the ones chord books show first.

Can I make a beat with Cadd9?

Yes. “Make a beat in C major” opens the free editor with a lo-fi beat in C major on C G Am F, the key where Cadd9 is the Iadd9 chord. Then change any part, add a melody and your voice, part by part. No account is needed to start.

Make a beat in C major

Opens the free editor with a lo-fi beat in C major on C G Am F, the key where Cadd9 is the Iadd9 chord. Then change any part, add a melody and your voice, part by part. No account needed to start.

Make a beat in C majorAll guitar chords

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