Cmaj9 chord on electric guitar
Cmaj9 is the major ninth chord: C, E, G, B and D (1–3–5–7–9). On electric guitar, the diagram shape is x 3 0 0 0 0, with C in the bass.
On the electric guitar a chord needs only a few clear notes — the amp sustains them and fills the space, so you mute the strings you are not playing and let the tone carry the rest. In this Cmaj9 voicing the bass is C and the shape sits at fret 3, ringing 4 open strings. Plugged into an amp, each chord sustains for as long as you hold it, and the tone — clean or driven — shapes the whole sound.
Notes and formula of Cmaj9
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.
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.
See also
Part of the Extended family.