C7#9 guitar chord
The C7#9 chord (C 7th sharp 9) is built from the notes C, E, G, Bb and D#, formula 1–3–5–b7–#9.
- Notes
- C E G Bb D#
- Type
- 7th sharp 9
- Level
- Barre chord
OpenShape 1 of 3
x31310How to play C7#9
The easiest C7#9 shape is x31310, starting around fret 1. Mute any strings marked x so only chord tones sound.
Gritty and aggressive, famous as the 'Hendrix chord' in rock and funk.
Other ways to play it
Questions
What notes are in the C7#9 chord?
C7#9 contains C, E, G, Bb and D#. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7–#9.
Is C7#9 hard to play on guitar?
It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is x31310.
What can I play instead of C7#9?
C7 is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when C7#9 is too hard or too busy.