9th Chords

Finding The 9th

When we are dealing with 9th, 11th or 13th chords we need to extend our basic major scale to two octaves. That is how we find those notes. Have a look at this diagram:

As you can see we have extended the scale by a second octave, which are exactly the same notes but all higher. It suddenly because clear therefore that the 9th note is identical to the 2nd note. Calling it a 9th therefore, helps us realise that the note is typically higher in the chord, and needs to include notes from the previous octave as well as the ninth. So, get the two-octave C major scale drawn out and we'll go start the first chord in the next lesson.

Major 9th

Whenever you are studying major type chords, the chord construction is pretty simple. In the case of a major 9th chord you simply take your major triad (1st, 3rd, 5th) add the 7th, and then the 9th. It is the addition of the 9th that changes the vibe of the chord to an even more relaxed sounding chord. Here is the formula applied to C major:

Major 9th Shape

To put this into practice on the guitar, in the fretboard diagrams are two common Cmaj9 chord shapes. Notice the notes you are playing and try to call each one out in theoretical terms (i.e. the 1st, 5th etc...). Also notice that we don't necessarily include the 5th in the chord, that is something we will explain fully later on.

Minor 9th

In the case of a minor 9th chord you simply take your minor triad (1st, b3rd, 5th) add the b7th (to create the m7 chord), and then the 9th. It is the addition of the 9th that changes the vibe of the chord to an even more relaxed sounding chord. Here is the formula applied to C major:

Minor 9th Shape

To put this into practice on the guitar, in the fretboard diagrams are two common Cm9 chord shapes. Notice the notes you are playing and try to call each one out in theoretical terms (i.e. the 1st, 5th etc...). Also notice that we don't necessarily include the 5th in the chord, that is something we will explain fully later on.

Dominant 9th Chord

In the case of a dominant 9th chord you simply take your major triad (1st, 3rd, 5th) add the b7th (to create the dominant 7th chord), and then the 9th. It is the addition of the 9th that changes the vibe of the chord to an even more relaxed sounding chord. Here is the formula applied to C major:

Dominant 9th Shape

To put this into practice on the guitar, in the fretboard diagrams is two common C9 chord shapes. Notice the notes you are playing and try to call each one out in theoretical terms (i.e. the 1st, 5th etc...).

In Practice

As guitarists, we like to be able to play chord shapes across the neck to give us a variety of sounds and ideas to use in our improvising or songwriting. When we deal with 5 note chords like 9th chords, this becomes tricky as you HAVE to use 5 strings at least to find the chord shape. However, there are some key rules to remember in practice:

1. Omit the 5th note

2. If playing with a band, omit the root!

The 5th note of the chord can be considered an extra bit of padding for the root. It doesn't really bring anything more to the chord than filling it out. When we talk about the 3rd, or 7th or 9th, these notes change the sound of the chord and are therefore crucial to be in it. The 5th, however, does not. Let's look at the Cmaj9 chord:

Therefore the 5th plays no real part in the overall sound of the chord and can be removed. Equally, if you are playing with a band and the bass playing is playing the root note, you don't have to play the root. This means you only need to create a 3 or 4 note chord depending on the situation. Not only is this easier, but the chord will sound clearer as it is only playing the really important notes from that formula. So, have some fun trying to work out your own 9th chords using this information!