Cmaj9 chord: major ninth
Cmaj9 is the major ninth chord on C: C, E, G, B and D (1–3–5–7–9). Cmaj9 stacks the root C, the major third E, the perfect fifth G, the major seventh B and the major ninth D. The maj9 is the maj7 with the ninth added.
Notes in Cmaj9: C – E – G – B – DFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 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.
It widens the triad without losing its restful character, with a romantic sheen.
The same chord on all four instruments
Where to use it
Ballads, bossa nova and neo-soul love this chord to open or close a song. It is the natural pick when a plain maj7 feels too plain — the ninth adds an extra glow without disturbing the rest.
Part of the Extended family.