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Chord & Fret

Cm9 — minor ninth

Notes on C: C – Eb – G – Bb – DFormula: 1 – b3 – 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.

The m9 is the m7 with the ninth. It deepens the minor sound, with added depth and smoothness.

The same chord on all four instruments

Cm9, x 3 0 0 4 6Cm93123×CDGEbBb
Guitar
Cm9, x 3 0 0 4 6Cm93123×CDGEbBb
Electric guitar
Cm9, 1 3 1 0Cm9132EbBbCD
Cavaquinho
Cm9, 5 3 6 5Cm932143CEbBbD
Ukulele

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.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of Cm9. 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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Part of the Extended family.

Other chords in this family

Cmaj9C9Cm11C13Cmaj9(#11)

See all chord types and qualities →