Bb7#9 Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively
The Bb7#9 chord, often called the "Hendrix chord," is a member of the Dominant Chords family, blending bluesy dissonance with jazzy sophistication. It's built from the notes Bb, D, F, Ab, and C#, which represent the intervals Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Augmented Ninth (#9). Use the interactive fretboard tool at the top of this page to visualize every fingering, listen to the chord played as a strum or arpeggio, and check your own playing with real-time microphone feedback – the tool will tell you if you're hitting the right notes.
This unique chord creates a distinctive, tension-filled sound that's a staple in jazz, funk, and rock. To truly understand its power and how it functions musically, explore our guide to the Dominant Chord family. Delve deeper into its construction and role as a Ninth Chord, and learn how such complex harmonies are built with our Chord Construction tutorial. Mastering this chord also means smoothly transitioning into and out of it; our tips on Improve Chords Change can help.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive collection of Bb7#9 chord diagrams, ranging from the easiest open positions to more advanced movable shapes, alongside music theory explanations, popular songs featuring this chord, and a list of keys where it commonly appears. Before you explore the diagrams, take a moment to engage with the interactive tool above. Set a comfortable tempo with the drum and BPM tool, strum the chord, and let the mic feedback instantly confirm your accuracy. This hands-on, immediate practice loop is the most effective way to integrate new chords into your playing.
Bb 7(#9) chord Notes:
Chord formula for the Dominant Seventh Sharp Ninth Added chord:
Fingerings for the Bb7(#9) guitar chord
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Barre
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
Find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
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FAQ
What notes make up the Bb 7(#9) chord?
The Bb 7(#9) chord is composed of five specific notes: Bb (the root), D (major third), F (perfect fifth), Ab (minor seventh), and C# (augmented ninth).
What intervals define the Bb 7(#9) chord structure?
The Bb 7(#9) chord is defined by the following intervals relative to its root (Bb): 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), and #9 (Augmented Ninth).
Why is the Bb 7(#9) chord sometimes called the 'Hendrix chord'?
The Bb 7(#9) chord is often referred to as the 'Hendrix chord' because of its distinctive sound and frequent use by Jimi Hendrix. Its blend of bluesy dissonance and jazzy sophistication became a hallmark of his guitar style.
How does the #9 interval affect the sound of a dominant chord?
Adding the #9 (augmented ninth) interval to a dominant 7th chord introduces a unique tension and color. This interval creates the 'bluesy dissonance and jazzy sophistication' that defines the sound of the Bb 7(#9), making it stand out from a standard dominant 7th chord.
What musical genres commonly use the Bb 7(#9) chord?
Thanks to its unique blend of bluesy dissonance and jazzy sophistication, the Bb 7(#9) chord has found its place in a variety of musical genres, notably jazz, rock, and blues.