How to play C7b9b5: a dominant 7th flat 9 flat 5 built on C, with 1 voicing, the notes, the keys it belongs to, and songs that use it.
The first diagram is a common voicing: played at the first few frets. An X above a string means don't play it; an O means play it open.
Frets from the low E string to the high E string: x 3 2 3 2 2 (x = not played).
| Note | C | E | Gb | Bb | Db |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | R | 3 | b5 | b7 | b9 |
C7b9b5 is a dominant 7th flat 9 flat 5 with C as its root. The full theoretical spelling is C, E, Gb, Bb, Db. This voicing sounds every chord tone.
C7b9b5 is not a diatonic chord in any major or minor key: it turns up as a borrowed chord, a passing chord or an altered dominant, which is part of its color.
All tools are free with no download. Customize the fingering, print it, or drop it straight into a chart.
🤲 Play C7b9b5 a way we don't show? Suggest your voicing and it may join the library (with a thank-you in your inbox).
C7b9b5 is spelled C, E, Gb, Bb, Db: the root, 3rd, flat 5th, flat 7th, flat 9th. The common guitar voicing sounds every one of them.
Frets from the low E string to the high E string: x 3 2 3 2 2 (x means the string is not played). Lay your index finger across the 2nd fret from the D string to the high E string (a barre). Add the A and G strings at the 3rd fret. Strum from the A string down; the low E string stays silent.
C7b9b5 is not a diatonic chord in any major or minor key: it turns up as a borrowed chord, a passing chord or an altered dominant, which is part of its color.
