A# dominant 9th · Guitar
A#9 Chord on Guitar
The A#9 chord (A# dominant 9th) is built from the notes A#, D, F, G# and C. The guitar fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Bb9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): fret 1 — index finger
- string 4 (D): played open
- string 3 (G): fret 1 — middle finger
- string 2 (B): fret 1 — ring finger
- string 1 (E): muted
Notes in this chord
- A♯
- D
- F
- G♯
- C
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9
Also written: Bb9
How to play
A#9 can be played with open strings on guitar, which makes it an accessible shape for beginners. Strings marked ○ ring open, while strings marked ✕ are muted.
Theory behind the chord
Dominant ninth chords extend the dominant seventh with a ninth on top. They keep the pull of a seventh chord but sound fuller and more coloured, which is why funk and soul rhythm parts lean on them. On A#9 this structure sits on the root A#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 map onto A#, D, F, G# and C.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the A#9 chord?
- A#9 contains the notes A#, D, F, G# and C. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9.
- How many ways can you play A#9?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for A#9.
- Is the A#9 chord hard to play?
- Not really. The open position of A#9 uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.
- Are A#9 and Bb9 the same chord?
- Yes. A#9 and Bb9 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.
Practise A#9 on your phone
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