C major ninth
Cmaj9 Piano Voicings
Cmaj9 adds the ninth on top of Cmaj7 for a rich, modern tonic sound. It is a staple resting chord in ballads and modal jazz.
Drill Cmaj9 in all 12 keysThe notes in Cmaj9
- C R
- E 3
- G 5
- B 7
- D 9
Cmaj9 voicings on piano
Each voicing is the exact shape the trainer drills. Press play to hear it — as a block chord or rolled note by note.
Root Position
C · E · G · B · D R · 3 · 5 · 7 · 9
Shell Voicing
C · E · B R · 3 · 7
Rootless A
E · G · B · D 3 · 5 · 7 · 9
Rootless B
B · D · E · G 7 · 9 · 3 · 5
Where Cmaj9 fits in a ii-V-I
Cmaj9 adds the ninth on top of Cmaj7 for a rich, modern tonic sound. It is a staple resting chord in ballads and modal jazz.
The fastest way to internalise Cmaj9 is to drill it in context across all 12 keys until the shape is automatic.
Practice the full ii-V-I progressionCmaj9 — frequently asked questions
What notes are in Cmaj9?
Cmaj9 contains C, E, G, B and D — root, major third, fifth, major seventh and ninth.
What is the rootless voicing for Cmaj9?
A rootless Cmaj9 voicing plays E, G, B, D (third, fifth, seventh, ninth), letting the bass cover the root for a fuller upper structure.