← Back to chord chart

Guitar Cadd9 chord diagram

Guitar Cadd9 chord diagram Fingering: x-3-0-0-3-0

Cadd9 is one of the essential Guitar chords. On Chordier, this chord appears in 4 different songs. On this page, you can find how to play Cadd9, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.

To play Cadd9, follow these steps: Place index finger on A string fret 3. Place ring finger on B string fret 3.

Tips

  • Place A string with your index finger and B string with your ring finger with a vertical finger angle so nearby strings ring clearly without buzz.
  • On A string, press fret 3 with your index finger close to the fret wire (not on top) for a cleaner tone.
  • Finger choices on Cadd9 can be optimized for the next chord. For example, when moving from Cadd9 to Gm/F, using on A string, use your middle finger and on B string, use your pinky helps preserve hand position with minimal movement.
  • Mute unused strings to avoid unwanted ringing.

Chord Theory

Notes
C - E - G - D
Intervals
1 - 3 - 5 - 9
Chord Type
Add9 — wide and bright
Difficulty
Beginner
Voicings
7

Alternative Positions

Different ways to play Cadd9 on the fretboard, from beginner-friendly to advanced voicings.

  • Cadd9 chord alternative position 1Guitar Cadd9 chord diagramx-3-2-x-3-3
  • Cadd9 chord alternative position 2Guitar Cadd9 chord diagramx-5-5-5-5-3
  • Cadd9 chord alternative position 3Guitar Cadd9 chord diagramx-3-2-5-3-3
  • Cadd9 chord alternative position 4Guitar Cadd9 chord diagramx-5-2-5-3-3

Easy Transition Chords

These chords have similar finger positions to Cadd9, making them ideal for practice transitions.

  • 1. Cadd9 → Em/F chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to Em/F, follow these steps:

    1. While playing Cadd9, lift your ring finger from B string fret 3.
    2. Lift your index finger from A string fret 3 and place it on D string fret 3.
  • 2. Cadd9 → Csus2 chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to Csus2, follow these steps:

    1. Keep index finger on A string fret 3.
    2. Lift your ring finger from B string fret 3 and place it on E string fret 3.
    3. Place middle finger on B string fret 3.
  • 5. Cadd9 → Gm/F chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to Gm/F, follow these steps:

    1. While playing Cadd9, lift your ring finger from B string fret 3.
    2. Lift your index finger from A string fret 3 and place it on D string fret 3.
  • 6. Cadd9 → Dsus2 chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to Dsus2, follow these steps:

    1. While playing Cadd9, lift your index finger from A string fret 3.
    2. Keep ring finger on B string fret 3.
    3. Place middle finger on G string fret 2.

Most Common Transitions

The most frequent chord transitions from Cadd9 across songs on this site.

  • 2. Cadd9 → Fm7 chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to Fm7, follow these steps:

    1. While playing Cadd9, lift your index finger from A string fret 3.
    2. Lift your ring finger from B string fret 3 and place it on D string fret 1.
    3. Place middle finger on E string fret 1.

    On Chordier, songs containing Cadd9 use the transition to Fm7 at 7.8%. You can practice this transition in 1 different songs.

  • 3. Cadd9 → Fmaj7 chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to Fmaj7, follow these steps:

    1. Lift your index finger from A string fret 3 and place it on B string fret 1.
    2. Slide your ring finger from B string fret 3 to D string fret 3.
    3. Place middle finger on G string fret 2.

    On Chordier, songs containing Cadd9 use the transition to Fmaj7 at 5.9%. You can practice this transition in 1 different songs.

  • 4. Cadd9 → C chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to C, follow these steps:

    1. Lift your index finger from A string fret 3 and place it on B string fret 1.
    2. Slide your ring finger from B string fret 3 to A string fret 3.
    3. Place middle finger on D string fret 2.

    On Chordier, songs containing Cadd9 use the transition to C at 3.9%. You can practice this transition in 2 different songs.

  • 5. Cadd9 → Cmaj7 chord transition

    To move from Cadd9 to Cmaj7, follow these steps:

    1. Lift your index finger from A string fret 3 and place it on D string fret 2.
    2. Slide your ring finger from B string fret 3 to A string fret 3.
    3. Place middle finger on E string fret 3.

    On Chordier, songs containing Cadd9 use the transition to Cmaj7 at 3.9%. You can practice this transition in 1 different songs.

Songs Using Cadd9 Chord

Popular songs that feature the Cadd9 chord, perfect for practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Cadd9 chord on Guitar?

Guitar Cadd9 is easy to start with. The shape covers 1 frets. Short daily repetitions will make transitions smoother.

Is there a simpler voicing for Cadd9?

You can try an easier Guitar voicing for Cadd9. The alternative voicing uses fingering x-5-2-5-3-3. Use this shape first, then return to the full form as control improves.

What are the most common chord changes from Cadd9 on Guitar?

Guitar progressions often pair Cadd9 with Em7 and Fm7. Based on our catalog data, Cadd9 -> Em7 is tracked 38 times across 2 songs (74.5% share), while Cadd9 -> Fm7 appears 4 times across 1 songs (7.8% share).

Can you name songs that feature Cadd9?

In our catalog, Luke Combs - Sleepless In A Hotel Room Chords is one of 4 songs that include the Cadd9 chord.