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Chord & Fret

C9 on cavaquinho

C9 on cavaquinho — frets 2 3 1 0C9231EBbCD
Frets: 2 3 1 0

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 E and the shape runs from fret 1 to 3, ringing 1 open string. Because this instrument has fewer strings than C9 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 – DFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – 9

In 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: Blues, funk, choro and broader dominants.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of C9 on cavaquinho. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.

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Part of the Extended family.

See the full explanation of C9 →