Imaj9–IVmaj9 in C Major

Pattern: Imaj9 – IVmaj9 Chords: Cmaj9 – Fmaj9

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
Imaj9	Cmaj9 (details)	major ninth	Tonic
IVmaj9	Fmaj9 (details)	major ninth	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Cmaj9 (Tonic) → Fmaj9 (Subdominant).

The Imaj9–IVmaj9 progression extends the Imaj7–IVmaj7 vamp with added ninths, creating an even more spacious and colorful sound. The ninth adds airiness to the already lush major seventh chords, producing the dreamy, floating quality that defines neo-soul, lo-fi beats, and contemporary R&B. This two-chord vamp can sustain entire songs with its rich harmonic palette.

Song Examples

Nights in White Satin — The Moody Blues
Electric Relaxation — A Tribe Called Quest
Untitled (How Does It Feel) — D'Angelo

Chord Details

Cmaj9 Fmaj9

More Progressions in C Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I

Related Progressions

Imaj7–IVmaj7 Imaj9–ii7 I69–IVmaj7