C# Minor add9 Guitar Chord
All positions and voicings on the fretboard
No playable voicings found for this chord. Try a different chord type or root note.
C# Minor add9 filtered by fret:
C# Minor add9 — chord details
The C# Minor add9 chord is made up of the following notes: C#, E, G#, D#.
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 5P, 9M.
The diagrams above show every voicing and chord variation for C# Minor add9 on guitar. Use the fret filter to narrow down voicings within a specific fret range — ideal for finding close-proximity chords when composing or arranging.
Note: C# is enharmonically equivalent to Db. Chord shapes are the same.
C# minor add9 adds the ninth to a minor triad without the seventh — C#, E, G#, D#, intervals 1P, 3m, 5P, 9M. This creates a hauntingly beautiful chord that retains the simplicity of a triad while introducing an ethereal, shimmering overtone. Minor add9 chords are beloved in alternative rock, dream pop, and cinematic music for their emotional depth and understated sophistication.
How to Play C# Minor add9
On guitar, C# m(add9) typically requires a barre or partial barre voicing. Experiment with different positions to find the voicing that best suits your playing context — higher positions sound brighter and tighter, while lower positions offer more bass and resonance. CAGED system shapes help navigate these options efficiently.
C# Minor add9 in Progressions
C# m(add9) appears in various harmonic contexts depending on the key. Analyze the surrounding chords to determine its function — it may serve as a primary chord, a substitution, or a chromatic color chord that enriches the harmonic palette of a progression.
Common Substitutions
C#min, C#m9, or C#m7 maintain the minor quality with varying degrees of color.
Difficulty: On guitar, this chord typically requires a barre — intermediate difficulty, but essential for playing in sharp keys.