About the A9 chord
The dominant ninth extends a seventh chord with the ninth. It is the sound of funk and soul rhythm guitar, and a richer substitute for any dominant seventh. The symbol for it is A9.
How to play A9
- Lay your index finger flat across the top 4 strings at fret 2, pressing just behind the fret.
- Put your middle finger on the high E string at fret 3.
- Put your ring finger on the G string at fret 4.
- Strum and let the A string ring open, and don't play the low E string.
1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little
Chords in the key of A major
These are the chords built on each note of the A major scale, so they all sound good together with A9. The Roman numeral under each one is its position in the key.
Other A chords
A9 chord questions
What notes are in a A9 chord?
A9 is made of A, C♯, E, G and B. In intervals that is 1, 3, 5, ♭7, 9 above the root, A.
What is the easiest way to play A9?
The first shape above is the most common one: x 0 2 4 2 3 from the low E string to the high E, where x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. Start there, and try the other shapes once it feels comfortable.
Is A9 a barre chord?
The main shape uses a barre, where one finger holds down several strings at once. Press just behind the fret and roll the finger slightly onto its side.