C♯6(add9)/D♯ guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 20 playable shapes

About the chord

C♯6 add 9 / D♯ (4th inversion)

C♯6(add9)/D♯ is the C♯6 add 9 / D♯ (4th inversion) guitar chord with D♯ in the bass. It uses the notes C♯, E♯, G♯, A♯, and D♯ and the interval formula 1-3-5-6-9.

The C♯6 add 9 6 add 9 chord blends the major triad with a major sixth A♯ and a ninth D♯, producing a jazzy, sophisticated sound. Its smooth, feel-good harmony is popular in jazz, funk, and pop, adding a playful, nostalgic color to progressions. With D♯ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 4th inversion of C♯6 add 9.

Also written as C♯6(add9) and C♯6/9/D♯.

Root note: C♯

Bass note: D♯

Chord tones: 5

Playable shapes: 20

Chord tones

C♯E♯G♯A♯D♯

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

xx1321

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string.
2 Place the 2nd finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string.
3 Place the 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string.
4 Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string.
5 Strum from the 4th string down.

Shape 2

x68666

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 6th fret of the 1st string, 2nd string, 3rd string, and 5th string in barre position.
2 Place the 3rd finger on the 8th fret of the 4th string.
3 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

C♯ Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

E♯ Major Third 3

This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.

G♯ Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

A♯ Major Sixth 6

The sixth adds warmth and a slightly more relaxed extended color.

D♯ Major Ninth 9

The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.

Quick answers

What notes are in C♯6(add9)/D♯?

C♯6(add9)/D♯ uses the notes C♯, E♯, G♯, A♯, and D♯. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-6-9.

What is another name for C♯6(add9)/D♯?

C♯6(add9)/D♯ is also written as C♯6(add9) and C♯6/9/D♯.

How do you play C♯6(add9)/D♯ on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string. Place the 2nd finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string. Place the 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string. Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string. Strum from the 4th string down.

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.

Article Mar 4, 2025