Gitarist OkuluAb9 chordAb dominant 9th
Ab9 (Ab dominant 9th, also written G#9) has a rich sound in funk and blues. Notes: Ab – C – Eb – Gb – Bb.
How to play Ab9
- String 6: fret 4, finger 1 (index)
- String 5: fret 6, finger 3 (ring)
- String 4: fret 4, finger 1 (index)
- String 3: fret 5, finger 2 (middle)
- String 2: fret 4, finger 1 (index)
- String 1: fret 6, finger 4 (pinky)
- Barre: lay your index finger flat across fret 4
× muted string · ○ open string · numbers are fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky)
💻 Learn it by playing in the app
Open the app →The chord check listens and tells you which string is muted
Chord structure
| Note | Ab | C | Eb | Gb | Bb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | 1 (root) | 3 (major 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) | ♭7 | 9 |
Other ways to play Ab9
Fret 4 · E shape
Fret 10 · C shape
Fret 11 · A shape
Tips
- For the barre, keep your index finger close to the fret and slightly rolled onto its bony side; thumb behind the neck, around the middle.
- Pick each string on its own and listen for muted strings; a finger touching the next string is the usual cause.
- Press, release, press again: if you can form Ab9 cleanly 20 times in a minute, you have it.