C# 7♯9 - GUITAR

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Chord composition

I III V ♭VII ♯IX
Root Major third Perfect fifth Minor seventh Augmented ninth
C# F G# B E

ALL ABOUT THE C# 7♯9 CHORD

Chord Composition

The C# 7♯9 chord is composed of 5 notes :

  • C# (Root)
  • F (Major third)
  • G# (Perfect fifth)
  • B (Minor seventh)
  • E (Augmented ninth)

These notes form a seventh chord with augmented ninth, the 'Hendrix chord'.

How to play C# 7♯9 on guitar

The 7#9 chord C# 7♯9, famous as the 'Hendrix chord', combines 1-3-5-7b-#9.

  • Hendrix signature: popularized in 'Purple Haze' and many psychedelic rock pieces
  • Blues tension: the #9 is enharmonically equal to b3, creating unique blues/rock sound
  • Major-minor coexistence: major third and #9 (enharmonic b3) create ambiguity
  • Funky color: heavily used in 70s funk and soul

This is probably the most famous altered chord in rock, thanks to Jimi Hendrix. The #9 creates a unique bluesy and psychedelic sound.

The Hendrix sound

Techniques for 7#9:

  • Overdrive and fuzz: distortion amplifies the tense character
  • Typical position: E7#9 in open position (most famous)
  • Funk rhythm: used in syncopated grooves

Common uses of C# 7♯9

The 7#9 chord defines several genres:

  • Psychedelic rock: Hendrix sound signature and psychedelic era
  • Funk: 70s grooves (James Brown, Sly Stone)
  • Blues rock: enriches traditional blues progressions
  • Jazz fusion: modern and edgy color

Styles

Psychedelic rock: the 'Hendrix chord' defines the genre.

Funk: characteristic 70s grooves.

Blues rock: modernizes traditional blues.

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