Cadd9 uses the notes C, D, E, G. This left-handed chord chart puts the shape in your playing orientation. Tune to Half Step Down before trying these shapes; the string labels on each chart show the tuning used.
Three playable chord shapes
All three charts use Half Step Down tuning. Compare the named shapes and their fret positions, then choose the one that fits your chord change. The shapes shown are alternatives, not a progression.
Tuning, lowest to highest: D# – G# – C# – F# – A# – D#. Chord names describe the notes that sound in this tuning.
Shape 1
Eadd9 shape · fret 9
Shape 2
Compact voicing · fret 1
Shape 3
Compact voicing · fret 6
What you are playing
Chord notes: C, D, E, G. Standard tablature stays unchanged, so you can use the same note order as any mainstream lesson or transcription.
Practise it for ten minutes
Form the shape without strumming, check each intended string, then release and rebuild it five times before practising slow four-beat changes.
- Shape Type: This shape behaves like a movable barre-style grip centered around fret 11, so focus on even pressure before trying to change chords quickly.
- String Check: Fret D# (string 1) at fret 11, A# (string 2) at fret 9, F# (string 3) at fret 10, C# (string 4) at fret 11, G# (string 5) at fret 11 and D# (string 6) at fret 9.
- Grip Control: Let the extension sing without over-gripping the shape; the more relaxed the hand, the better the voicing blooms.
- Next Scale: The quickest lead connection from this chord is C Major. Start there if you want the page to turn into a chord-to-scale practice loop.