Ab9 guitar chord
The Ab9 chord (Ab dominant 9th) is built from the notes Ab, C, Eb, Gb and Bb, formula 1–3–5–b7–9.
- Notes
- Ab C Eb Gb Bb
- Type
- dominant 9th
- Level
- Barre chord
Barre · fret 1Shape 1 of 3
411112How to play Ab9
The usual Ab9 shape is a barre chord: your index finger presses fret 1 across several strings (411112). Barre chords take practice, so start by getting each string to ring clearly before worrying about speed.
Funky and full. Dominant 9ths are everywhere in funk, blues and soul.
Other ways to play it
Questions
What notes are in the Ab9 chord?
Ab9 contains Ab, C, Eb, Gb and Bb. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7–9.
Is Ab9 hard to play on guitar?
It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is 411112.
What can I play instead of Ab9?
Ab7 is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when Ab9 is too hard or too busy.