C9 Ukulele Chord
Want to play the C9 chord on your ukulele? It is a three-finger shape, a little fiddly at first but it settles fast. Your fingers go on the g, C and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A three-finger shape. Here is how to play C9, step by step.
- Notes: C, E, G, Bb and D
- Frets: 3 2 0 3
- Tuning: g C E A
C9 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 9th
- Also known as
- C ninth
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9
- Intervals
- C (root), E (major 3rd), G (perfect 5th), Bb (minor 7th), D (9th)
- Notes
- C, E, G, Bb and D
- Frets
- 3 2 0 3
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the C9 chord
Here is the C9 chord step by step:
- Put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the g string.
- Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string.
- Put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
- Leave the E string open.
- Strum all four strings.
Take it slowly the first few times and it will start to feel natural. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the C9 chord?
The C9 chord is built from five notes: C, E, G, Bb and D (the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th and 9th). That flat seventh makes a dominant 7th restless. It leans forward and wants to resolve to the next chord, which is why it turns up all over blues and folk. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Ukulele songs that use the C9 chord
Want to go further?
Once C9 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try C7, Cmaj7, Cm and C. C9 pairs most often with G, Am and F, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.