One of the easiest ways to improve your jazz guitar playing is to pick one new chord each week and really get to know it. This week, we’re focusing on the Cmaj9 chord—a lush, versatile voicing that sounds great in tons of jazz situations.
What Helped Me Actually Learn Jazz Chords
Back in college, I was told I needed to “beef up my chord vocabulary.” Translation: more sounds, more color, more options. But I didn’t get much help on how to do that. The chord books I had felt overwhelming—hundreds of shapes, no clear path.
So I kept it simple.
Each week, I picked one chord—like Cmaj9—and used it in every situation I could. Rehearsals, jam sessions, Real Book tunes, you name it. Even if it wasn’t a perfect fit, I played it. The point wasn’t perfection—it was practice.
And maybe even more important – it was practice through playing real music – not exercises or drills.
And over time, those shapes stuck – and became second nature.
That’s what this series is all about: one new jazz chord a week, plus a short melodic idea to go with it. These are designed to be short, usable lessons you can take with you and sound better right away.
We’ll start with Cmaj9.
What Is the Cmaj9 Chord?
The Cmaj9 chord (also written as C major 9, CM9, or C∆9) is a beautiful, modern-sounding extension of the basic C major 7 chord. In the voicing we’re using, the chord includes:
- C (root)
- E (major 3rd)
- B (major 7th)
- D (9th)
This shape skips the 5th, which is common in jazz guitar voicings to make room for extensions and cleaner voice leading.
You can think of this as coming from a shell chord – usually built with a root, 5th, and 7th. We’re just adding a 9th to that for extra color. Plus, it fits nicely and is easy to play.
If you’re playing jazz guitar, this is a must-know chord shape. Learn how to play shell chords with a free copy of 5 Minute Jazz Guitar Warm Ups – click here to get started.
How to Play Other maj9 Chords on Guitar
This Cmaj9 chord shape is rooted on the 5th string. That means wherever your root note lands on the 5th string, that’s what chord you’re playing:
- 3rd fret = Cmaj9
- 4th fret = C#maj9 (or Dbmaj9)
- 2nd fret = Bmaj9
So you’re not just learning one chord—you’re learning a moveable shape.
🎸 Pro Tip: Learning the notes on your 5th string will make this voicing way more versatile. Use the fretboard map below as a guide.
Melodic Cell: Cmaj9 Improvisation Idea
To go along with your new chord, here’s a Cmaj9 melodic cell—a short group of notes that pairs perfectly with the chord.
Start with the Cmaj7 arpeggio tones:
C (root), E (3rd), B (7th)
Then add:
D (9th) and A (6th)
These notes either come directly from the chord or flow naturally from the fingering. You don’t need to overthink whether it’s a scale, an arpeggio, or a lick—just think of it as a small set of notes that sound great with Cmaj9.
I didn’t come up with these notes by accident. They line up with the C major scale starting from the 5th string. To learn more about the major scales, click here.
Try alternating between the chord and the melodic cell. You’ll start to hear how the harmony and melody connect—and how easy it is to make something musical from a simple idea.
Plus, alternating between chord shapes and melody is a great way to get ready for playing solo jazz guitar. You’re always trading one for the other as you play – kind of a balancing act.
Final Thoughts
The Cmaj9 chord is one of those shapes that instantly makes your playing sound more modern and expressive. Learn the shape, explore the notes around it, and start plugging it into real songs.
This “one chord a week” method helped me grow my jazz vocabulary without being overwhelmed—and I think it’ll help you too. Want more weekly jazz chord lessons like this? Join the newsletter here and get a short, useful jazz guitar lesson every Monday.
And if you want the ultimate quick reference guide for jazz guitarists, check out Jazz Guitar Survival Guide. It’s full of quick answers for your “How do I play….” type of questions.