C9 Ukulele Chord
C9 on ukulele is 3-2-0-3: put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the g string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string and leave the E string open. It is a three-finger shape, a little fiddly at first but it settles fast.
- 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 (major 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.
Is there an easier way to play C9?
Not really. 3-2-0-3 is already the simplest playable shape for C9 on a ukulele; every alternative either needs more fingers or sits higher up the neck. If it still feels awkward, the tips above are the fix.
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 major 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.