How to play E Dominant 7 flat 9 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: 020101
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 1.
- Let the 6th, 4th, 2nd strings ring open.
Shape 2: x76767 (from fret 6)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 6 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 7.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 7.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 3: xx2131
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 1.
- 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 E Dominant 7 flat 9
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G♯ | 3 |
| B | 5 |
| D | ♭7 |
| F | ♭9 |
The formula for E Dominant 7 flat 9 (7♭9) is 1 3 5 ♭7 ♭9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use E7♭9
Dominant 7 flat 9 chords are dark and tense with a hint of Spain. They usually lead to a minor chord a fifth below, as in E7♭9 to Am.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other dominant 7 flat 9 chords on guitar
C7♭9, D♭7♭9, D7♭9, E♭7♭9, F7♭9, F♯7♭9, G7♭9, A♭7♭9, A7♭9, B♭7♭9, B7♭9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Dominant 7 flat 9 on guitar?
The easiest E7♭9 shape on guitar is 020101 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 1. Let the 6th, 4th, 2nd strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Dominant 7 flat 9?
E Dominant 7 flat 9 (E7♭9) contains the notes E G♯ B D F. The formula is 1 3 5 ♭7 ♭9.
How many guitar shapes are there for E7♭9?
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 E Dominant 7 flat 9 on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.