A7#9 guitar chord

The A7#9 chord (A 7th sharp 9) is built from the notes A, C#, E, G and B#, formula 1–3–5–b7–#9.

Notes
A C# E G B#
Type
7th sharp 9
Level
Barre chord
Fret 4
××2134AC#GB#
5455xx

How to play A7#9

The easiest A7#9 shape is 5455xx, starting around fret 4. Mute any strings marked x so only chord tones sound.

Gritty and aggressive, famous as the 'Hendrix chord' in rock and funk.

Questions

What notes are in the A7#9 chord?

A7#9 contains A, C#, E, G and B#. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7–#9.

Is A7#9 hard to play on guitar?

It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is 5455xx.

What can I play instead of A7#9?

A7 is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when A7#9 is too hard or too busy.