Bb9 Chord (Bb dominant 9th) on Guitar
Bb9 (Bb dominant 9th) is made of the notes Bb – D – F – Ab – C. The easiest guitar fingering is x1011x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Bb9
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (Ab).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | R |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | Ab | b7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | 9 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Bb dominant 9th chord?
A dominant 9th chord stacks a major ninth on top of a dominant 7th chord. It contains root, major third, (fifth), minor seventh and ninth.
Notes and formula. Bb9 contains Bb, D, F, Ab, C. Counted from the root Bb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th), 9 (major 9th). It is also written A#9; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Funky, jazzy and rich. It is a dominant 7th with extra colour.
Where it is used. Core chord in funk, soul, blues and jazz, such as the classic "James Brown" style stabs.
Tips for playing Bb9
You usually skip the fifth to keep the shape playable. Mute strings you do not need with the side of your fingers.
Common mistake: Strumming all six strings. 9th chords sound tighter when you play only the strings in the shape.
Scales to play over Bb9
Related chords
Bb9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bb9 chord?
Bb9 (Bb dominant 9th) contains the notes Bb, D, F, Ab, C. The formula is R–3–5–b7–9 relative to the root Bb.
How do you play Bb9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bb9 is x1011x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bb9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated advanced. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bb9 the same as A#9?
Yes. Bb and A# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Bb9 and A#9 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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