Cmaj9(#11) chord on electric guitar
Cmaj9(#11) is the major ninth sharp eleventh chord: C, E, G, B, D and F# (1–3–5–7–9–#11). On electric guitar, the diagram shape is x 3 4 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(#11) voicing the bass is C and the shape runs from fret 3 to 4, ringing 3 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(#11)
Notes in Cmaj9(#11): C – E – G – B – D – F#Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9 – #11In 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
Dreamy by nature, it opens or closes film-like ballads and modern jazz pieces. It is worth trying in place of a final maj7 when you want the music to end hanging in the air.
See also
Part of the Extended family.