Cadd9 chord on guitar: fingering and notes

Cadd9 is an added ninth (add9) chord made of C, E, G and D. This shape uses 5 strings in open position.

Read the diagram as if the guitar stands in front of you: thickest string on the left, the nut at the top. Numbers are fingers (1 index … 4 little), ○ means play the string open, × means don’t play it.

Where each finger goes

Middle finger on string 5 (A), fret 3.
Index finger on string 4 (D), fret 2.
Ring finger on string 2 (B), fret 3.
Let string 3 (G) and string 1 (high E) ring open.
Don’t play string 6 (low E): start your strum on string 5 (A).

Notes in the chord

Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 9

String	Fret	Note	Interval
string 5 (A)	3	C	root
string 4 (D)	2	E	major third
string 3 (G)	open	G	perfect fifth
string 2 (B)	3	D	major ninth
string 1 (high E)	open	E	major third

Check that every string rings

Pick the strings one at a time from string 5 (A) to string 1. Every note should ring for about a second without buzzing or going dull.
A dull or muted note usually means a fingertip is leaning on the next string: arch the finger so only the tip touches.
A buzzing note usually means the finger is too far from the fret wire: slide it closer without pressing harder.
Strings you don’t play should stay silent: aim the strum, or touch them lightly with a free finger.

Practise: change between Cadd9 and G

Set the metronome to 60 BPM in 4/4 (the button below applies these settings).
Strum Cadd9 once on beat 1 and let it ring through beats 2, 3 and 4.
During beat 4, lift your fingers and move to G so it sounds exactly on the next beat 1.
Keep alternating Cadd9 and G for eight bars. When three changes in a row land on the beat with every string ringing, raise the tempo by 5 BPM.

What to listen for: the new chord starts on the click of beat 1, not after it, and no string goes silent during the change.

Practise at 60 BPM

Where this chord is used

Cadd9 adds the ninth to the plain major chord; it is often used in place of C for a more open sound.