E dominant 9th · Ukulele
E9 Chord on Ukulele
The E9 chord (E dominant 9th) is built from the notes E, G#, B, D and F#. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 4 (G): fret 1 — index finger
- string 3 (C): fret 2 — middle finger
- string 2 (E): fret 2 — middle finger
- string 1 (A): fret 2 — middle finger
Notes in this chord
- E
- G♯
- B
- D
- F♯
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9
How to play
Every ukulele shape for E9 needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 1. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.
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 E9 this structure sits on the root E, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 map onto E, G#, B, D and F#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the E9 chord?
- E9 contains the notes E, G#, B, D and F#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9.
- How many ways can you play E9?
- Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for E9, and it is a barre shape.
- Is the E9 chord hard to play?
- E9 requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
Practise E9 on your phone
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