How to play B♭ Minor 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: 686668
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 6th strings at fret 6 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 8.
Shape 2: xx8698 (from fret 6)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 8.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 9.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 8.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: 6366xx (from fret 3)
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 6.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
- Don't play the 2nd, 1st 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 B♭ Minor 9th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| B♭ | 1 (root) |
| D♭ | ♭3 |
| F | 5 |
| A♭ | ♭7 |
| C | 9 |
The formula for B♭ Minor 9th (minor ninth) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed. In the A♯ spelling the notes are A♯ C♯ E♯ G♯ B♯.
When to use B♭m9
Minor 9th chords are smooth and deep. Common in R&B, neo-soul and jazz, they give a minor chord a warm, spacious feel.
Other B♭ chords
B♭, B♭m, B♭7, B♭maj7, B♭m7, B♭sus2, B♭sus4, B♭°, B♭+, B♭add9, B♭6, B♭ø7
Other minor 9th chords on guitar
Cm9, C♯m9, Dm9, E♭m9, Em9, Fm9, F♯m9, Gm9, G♯m9, Am9, Bm9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play B♭ Minor 9th on guitar?
The easiest B♭m9 shape on guitar is 686668 (Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 6th strings at fret 6 (a barre). Press the 5th string (A) at fret 8. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 8.)
What notes are in B♭ Minor 9th?
B♭ Minor 9th (B♭m9) contains the notes B♭ D♭ F A♭ C. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9.
Is B♭ the same as A♯?
Yes. B♭ and A♯ are two names for the same pitch, so B♭ Minor 9th and A♯ Minor 9th sound identical and use the same guitar shapes. Written as A♯m9 the notes are spelled A♯ C♯ E♯ G♯ B♯.
How many guitar shapes are there for B♭m9?
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.
check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.