B9 chordB dominant 9th
B9 (B dominant 9th) has a rich sound in funk and blues. Notes: B – D# – F# – A – C#.
How to play B9
- String 6: not played
- String 5: fret 2, finger 1 (index)
- String 4: fret 4, finger 2 (middle)
- String 3: fret 6, finger 4 (pinky)
- String 2: fret 4, finger 2 (middle)
- String 1: fret 5, finger 3 (ring)
× 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 | B | D# | F# | A | C# |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | 1 (root) | 3 (major 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) | ♭7 | 9 |
Other ways to play B9
Fret 2 · A shape
Fret 7 · E shape
Tips
- Press with your fingertips as close to the fret as you can; you need less force for a clean sound.
- 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 B9 cleanly 20 times in a minute, you have it.