C Dominant Sharp Ninth Banjo (5-String) Arpeggio
Banjo (5-String) arpeggio — fretboard diagram
C Dominant Sharp Ninth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: C, E, G, Bb, D#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9A
Formula: 2W-WH-WH-5
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: 7#9
The C Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio contains 5 notes (C, E, G, Bb, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the C Dominant Sharp Ninth Arpeggio
Play the C Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio whenever a C Dominant Sharp Ninth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The C Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio uses 5 notes (C, E, G, Bb, D#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play C Dominant Sharp Ninth Arpeggio on Banjo (5-String)
Locate C on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio (C, E, G, Bb, D#) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The C Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio outlines a dominant seventh chord, creating the tension that wants to resolve. Use it over C7, C9, C13 chords, especially in blues, funk, and jazz where dominant harmony drives the groove.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the E an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9A) in any register.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the C Dominant Sharp Ninth arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 5 tones before gradually increasing speed.