Easy Ways To Play The A9 Guitar Chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the A 9 chord, a complex and interesting chord that belongs to the Dominant Chords family. This chord, composed of the notes A, C#, E, G, and B, is built using the intervals 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), and 9 (Major Ninth).
Understanding the intervals that make up a chord is crucial for any guitarist looking to expand their knowledge and skills. If you're new to this concept, you might find our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals helpful. This guide will provide you with a solid foundation in music theory, which is essential when tackling more advanced chords like the A 9.
This chord, like all dominant chords, has a unique and distinct sound that can add depth and complexity to your music. It's often used in jazz and blues, genres that are known for their intricate chord progressions and use of extensions. If you're interested in learning more about these genres, our tutorial on jazz chord progressions might be of interest.
In this tutorial, we'll be providing detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to help you understand and visualize the A 9 chord. Whether you're a beginner just starting to explore beyond basic chords, or an intermediate player looking to add more variety to your playing, this tutorial will offer valuable insights. If you're ready to dive deeper into the world of guitar chords, check out our full tutorial on all types of guitar chords.
Remember, learning new chords is a journey. With practice, patience, and a solid understanding of music theory, you'll be playing the A 9 chord with ease in no time. Happy strumming!
Notes of the A 9 chord:
Tones in the Dominant Ninth chord:
A9 Guitar Chord Shapes
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Barre
Open
Position 3
Barre
Open
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What notes make up an A9 chord?
The A9 chord is composed of five distinct notes: A (Root), C# (Major Third), E (Perfect Fifth), G (Minor Seventh), and B (Major Ninth). These notes correspond to the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and 9.
What is a 'Dominant Chord' and why is A9 part of that family?
A 'Dominant Chord' is characterized by its inclusion of a minor seventh (b7) interval, alongside the root, major third, and perfect fifth. The A9 chord is a dominant chord because it contains the G note, which is the minor seventh of A, giving it a distinct sound often used to create tension that resolves to another chord.
How is the '9' interval in the A9 chord derived?
The '9' in the A9 chord refers to the Major Ninth interval, which is the B note in this case. This note is added to a standard dominant seventh chord (which already includes the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh), extending its harmonic complexity.
In what musical styles is the A9 chord typically used?
The A9 chord, with its unique and complex sound, is commonly used in genres such as jazz and blues. Its extended harmony adds depth and sophistication to chord progressions, making it a favorite for adding richer textures.