Chord & FretCm9 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 Eb and the shape runs from fret 1 to 3, ringing 1 open string. Because this instrument has fewer strings than Cm9 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 – Eb – G – Bb – DFormula: 1 – b3 – 5 – b7 – 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: The heart of neo-soul and R&B vamps — that is, those short two-chord passages that loop over and over while the melody floats on top. It also works as the arrival chord in a minor key, smoother and more modern than a plain m7.
This is just one shape of Cm9 on cavaquinho. 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.
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