C Minor Ninth Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
C Minor Ninth in Open C — Notes and Intervals
Notes: C, Eb, G, Bb, D
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 5P, 7m, 9M
Formula: WH-2W-WH-2W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: m9, -9
The C Minor Ninth arpeggio contains 5 notes (C, Eb, G, Bb, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on 6-string guitar — Open C with different tunings and fret ranges.
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Explore This Arpeggio in Other Tunings
- C Minor Ninth in Standard Tuning
- C Minor Ninth in Drop D
- C Minor Ninth in DADGAD
- C Minor Ninth in Open G
- C Minor Ninth in Baritone (B Standard)
- C Minor Ninth in 7-string
- C Minor Ninth in 8-string
- C Minor Ninth in Drop C
- C Minor Ninth in Drop B
- C Minor Ninth in Open D
- C Minor Ninth in Half Step Down
- C Minor Ninth in Open E
- C Minor Ninth in Open A
- C Minor Ninth in Double Drop D