How to play A Dominant 9th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 545000
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5.
- Let the 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: x05420
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Let the 5th, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 3: xx7687 (from fret 6)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 7.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 7.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A Dominant 9th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| C♯ | 3 |
| E | 5 |
| G | ♭7 |
| B | 9 |
The formula for A Dominant 9th (ninth chord) is 1 3 5 ♭7 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use A9
Dominant 9th chords are a richer, smoother version of the dominant 7th. They are the sound of funk, soul and blues: the same pull towards the next chord, with more colour.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Amaj7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A°, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other dominant 9th chords on guitar
C9, D♭9, D9, E♭9, E9, F9, F♯9, G9, A♭9, B♭9, B9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Dominant 9th on guitar?
The easiest A9 shape on guitar is 545000 (Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5. Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5. Let the 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in A Dominant 9th?
A Dominant 9th (A9) contains the notes A C♯ E G B. The formula is 1 3 5 ♭7 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for A9?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A Dominant 9th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.