Cm9

General info

Full name

C Minor 9

Symbol

Cm9

Root

C

Quality

Minor 9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)Eb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

GG MajorFmF MinorA#A# Major

Unstable degrees

4F

b7A#

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Cm9source

GG Major

Minor chord Cm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Cm9source

Deceptive resolution

G#G# Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Cm9source

Modal resolution

A#A# Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Cm9source

Jazz reharmonization

F7F Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

Cm9source

Functional resolution

FF Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character

Minor, with a minor 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), 9th

Description

The minor 3rd and minor 7th form m7, while the major 9th adds a diatonic extension. The chord is denser than m7 but retains minor quality.

Application

• ii9 in major
• Minor tonic in jazz
• Neo-soul and R&B

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.