C6/9 chord on cavaquinho
C6/9 is the major six-nine chord: C, E, G, A and D (1–3–5–6–9). On cavaquinho, the diagram shape is 2 2 1 0, with E in the bass.
On the cavaquinho, four steel strings tuned D–G–B–D pack the chord into a small, bright space — every finger counts. In this C6/9 voicing the bass is E and the shape runs from fret 1 to 2, ringing 1 open string. Because this instrument has fewer strings than C6/9 has notes, one note, usually the fifth, is normally dropped without losing the chord's identity. Its four steel strings give a bright, sharp attack that cuts through the mix and drives the beat.
Notes and formula of C6/9
Notes in C6/9: C – E – G – A – DFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 6 – 9In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
Where to use it
Bossa nova, jazz, sophisticated country and arrangement endings.
See also
Part of the Sixths family.