Chord & FretC7(b9) on cavaquinho
On the cavaquinho, four steel strings tuned D–G–B–D pack the chord into a small, bright space — every finger counts. In this position the bass is C and the shape runs from fret 9 to 11. Because this instrument has fewer strings than C7(b9) 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 on C: C – E – G – Bb – DbFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – b9In 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: A dominant that resolves to a minor chord.
The shapes of C7(b9) on cavaquinho don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.
Unlock in Chord & Fret →Part of the Altered dominants family.