Which notes are in the G#9 chord?

G#9 contains the notes G#, C, D#, F# and A#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9.

How many ways can you play G#9?

Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for G#9.

Is the G#9 chord hard to play?

G#9 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.

Are G#9 and Ab9 the same chord?

Yes. G#9 and Ab9 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.

G# dominant 9th · Ukulele

G#9 Chord on Ukulele

The G#9 chord (G# dominant 9th) is built from the notes G#, C, D#, F# and A#. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Ab9; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

G#9starts at fret 2

Fingering

string 4 (G): fret 3 — middle finger
string 3 (C): fret 3 — ring finger
string 2 (E): fret 2 — index finger
string 1 (A): fret 3 — little finger

Notes in this chord

G♯
C
D♯
F♯
A♯

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9

Also written: Ab9

How to play

G#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 G#9 this structure sits on the root G#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 map onto G#, C, D#, F# and A#.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the G#9 chord?: G#9 contains the notes G#, C, D#, F# and A#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9.
How many ways can you play G#9?: Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for G#9.
Is the G#9 chord hard to play?: G#9 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.
Are G#9 and Ab9 the same chord?: Yes. G#9 and Ab9 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 G#9 on your phone

Minory bundles the full chord library with a tuner, metronome and repertoire notebook — and it all works offline.