Eb9 Chord (Eb dominant 9th) on Guitar
Eb9 (Eb dominant 9th) is made of the notes Eb – G – Bb – Db – F. The easiest guitar fingering is xx1021 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Eb9
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (Db).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 1 (F).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 5th string (A).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | x (mute) | - | |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | Eb | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | Db | b7 |
| 1st string (high e) | 1 | F | 9 |
What is a Eb 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. Eb9 contains Eb, G, Bb, Db, F. Counted from the root Eb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th), 9 (major 9th). It is also written D#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 Eb9
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 Eb9
Related chords
Eb9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Eb9 chord?
Eb9 (Eb dominant 9th) contains the notes Eb, G, Bb, Db, F. The formula is R–3–5–b7–9 relative to the root Eb.
How do you play Eb9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Eb9 is xx1021, 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 Eb9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated advanced. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Eb9 the same as D#9?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Eb9 and D#9 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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