F# dominant 9th · Ukulele
F#9 Chord on Ukulele
The F#9 chord (F# dominant 9th) is built from the notes F#, A#, C#, E and G#. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Gb9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 4 (G): fret 1 — index finger
- string 3 (C): fret 1 — middle finger
- string 2 (E): played open
- string 1 (A): fret 1 — ring finger
Notes in this chord
- F♯
- A♯
- C♯
- E
- G♯
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9
Also written: Gb9
How to play
F#9 can be played with open strings on ukulele, 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 F#9 this structure sits on the root F#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 map onto F#, A#, C#, E and G#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the F#9 chord?
- F#9 contains the notes F#, A#, C#, E and G#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9.
- How many ways can you play F#9?
- Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for F#9.
- Is the F#9 chord hard to play?
- Not really. The open position of F#9 uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.
- Are F#9 and Gb9 the same chord?
- Yes. F#9 and Gb9 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 F#9 on your phone
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