How to play the Cm9 chord on guitar

The Cm9 chord, pronounced "C minor ninth," is a rich and expressive chord that adds a sophisticated touch to any musical composition. It's commonly used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul genres, thanks to its smooth and slightly melancholic sound. Notable songs featuring the Cm9 chord include "Neo Soul Is Here" by Moonchild and "Didn't Cha Know" by Erykah Badu.

The Cm9 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 3rd fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Cm9 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to play all six strings in a downward motion, ensuring that each string rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Cm9 chord, try playing an open position C minor chord (place your first finger on the 1st fret of the B string, second finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and third finger on the 3rd fret of the A string) and add your pinky on the 3rd fret of the high E string.

Playing a Cm9 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your playing, especially when playing with other musicians or in a band setting.

Here's how to play a Cm9 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down.

The Cm9 chord often serves as a somber, introspective starting point in chord progressions, creating a melancholic and reflective emotional atmosphere. Some common chord progressions featuring Cm9 include:

• i-iv-VII-III (Cm9-Fm9-B♭maj9-E♭maj9)
• i-iv-v-i (Cm9-Fm9-Gm9-Cm9)
• i-VI-III-VII (Cm9-A♭maj9-E♭maj9-B♭maj9) - Used in "Blue in Green" by Miles Davis
• i-♭VII-♭VI-♭VII (Cm9-B♭maj9-A♭maj9-B♭maj9)
• i-♭III-♭VII-IV (Cm9-E♭m9-B♭maj9-Fmaj9)

To master the Cm9 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, play the notes in ascending and descending order, ensuring smooth transitions between each note.

Another effective drill is to practice playing the Cm9 chord as an arpeggio. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy. This exercise will help develop muscle memory and improve your ability to switch between the notes fluidly.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Cm9 chord.

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. The Scientist by Coldplay (Dm7, Cm9, Fm7, B♭)
3. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey (Cm, A♯, B♭, B, Gm)
4. Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake (Cm9, Fm9, B♭maj7, A♭maj7)
5. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer (Cm9, Fm9, B♭maj7, A♭maj7)
6. The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra (Cm9, Fm9, B♭maj7, A♭maj7)
7. Heartbeats by José González (Cm9, Fm9, B♭maj7, A♭maj7)
8. All of Me by John Legend (Cm9, Fm9, B♭maj7, A♭maj7)
9. Gravity by John Mayer (Cm9, Fm9, B♭maj7, A♭maj7)
10. Eternal Flame by The Bangles (Cm9, Fm9, B♭maj7, A♭maj7)