How to play B♭ Dominant 9th on ukulele
These shapes are for standard GCEA tuning. 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: 3045
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (A) at fret 5.
- Let the 3rd string ring open.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the string nearest your face to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in B♭ Dominant 9th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| B♭ | 1 (root) |
| D | 3 |
| F | 5 |
| A♭ | ♭7 |
| C | 9 |
The formula for B♭ Dominant 9th (ninth chord) 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♭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 B♭ chords
B♭, B♭m, B♭7, B♭maj7, B♭m7, B♭sus2, B♭sus4, B♭°, B♭+, B♭add9, B♭6, B♭ø7
Other dominant 9th chords on ukulele
C9, D♭9, D9, E♭9, E9, F9, F♯9, G9, A♭9, A9, B9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play B♭ Dominant 9th on ukulele?
The easiest B♭9 shape on ukulele is 3045 (Press the 4th string (G) at fret 3. Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 4. Press the 1st string (A) at fret 5. Let the 3rd string ring open.)
What notes are in B♭ Dominant 9th?
B♭ Dominant 9th (B♭9) 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♭ Dominant 9th and A♯ Dominant 9th sound identical and use the same ukulele shapes. Written as A♯9 the notes are spelled A♯ C𝄪 E♯ G♯ B♯.
How many ukulele shapes are there for B♭9?
There are many. This page shows 1 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See B♭ Dominant 9th on guitar, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full ukulele chord library.