How to play E♭ 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: xx1021
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 1.
- Let the 3rd string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 2: (11)88889 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 5th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 11.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 9.
Shape 3: x63643 (from fret 3)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 4th strings at fret 3 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 6.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4.
- Don't play the 6th string.
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 9th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E♭ | 1 (root) |
| G | 3 |
| B♭ | 5 |
| D♭ | ♭7 |
| F | 9 |
The formula for E♭ Dominant 9th (ninth chord) is 1 3 5 ♭7 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed. In the D♯ spelling the notes are D♯ F𝄪 A♯ C♯ E♯.
When to use E♭9
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 E♭ chords
E♭, E♭m, E♭7, E♭maj7, E♭m7, E♭sus2, E♭sus4, E♭°, E♭+, E♭add9, E♭6, E♭ø7
Other dominant 9th chords on guitar
C9, D♭9, D9, E9, F9, F♯9, G9, A♭9, A9, B♭9, B9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E♭ Dominant 9th on guitar?
The easiest E♭9 shape on guitar is xx1021 (Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 1. Let the 3rd string ring open. Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.)
What notes are in E♭ Dominant 9th?
E♭ Dominant 9th (E♭9) contains the notes E♭ G B♭ D♭ F. The formula is 1 3 5 ♭7 9.
Is E♭ the same as D♯?
Yes. E♭ and D♯ are two names for the same pitch, so E♭ Dominant 9th and D♯ Dominant 9th sound identical and use the same guitar shapes. Written as D♯9 the notes are spelled D♯ F𝄪 A♯ C♯ E♯.
How many guitar shapes are there for E♭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 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.