This is an E9 chord guitar lesson.
It’s also called the E dominant 9th chord. It’s often referred to as “the funk chord”, and it’s quite common in jazz/ fusion.
Now, let’s dive in and play the chord!
Table of Contents
What is The E9 chord on guitar? (E Dominant 9th)
Think of the E9 chord as an E7 chord with an added 9th interval (9).
This gives you the root note “E“, the major 3rd “G#“, the perfect 5th “B“, the minor 7th “D“, and the 9th “F#“.
- Notes in the E9 chord: E-G#-B-D-F#
- Dominant 9th chord formula: 1-3-5-b7-9
How to play the E9 chord on guitar
Here are 2 E9 chord guitar shapes.
Shape 1: 7th Position Barre with Ring Finger
The first shape is played with the root note on the 7th fret of the A string, played with your middle finger. Then, use your index finger to play fret 6 of the D string, and use your ring finger to barre the 7th fret on the G, B, and high E strings.
Shape 2: 4-Note Shape with no 5th Interval
The second shape is played with your ring finger on the 12th fret of the low E string, pinky finger on the12th fret of D, middle finger on the 11th fret of G, and index finger on the 9th fret of B.
E9 Chord Guitar Tab PDF
Audio
When To Use The E9 Guitar Chord
The E9 chord is a dominant chord. Use it:
- As the 5 (V) chord in an A major chord progression.
- The 1 (I) chord in an E blues progression or E mixolydian vamp.
- A substitute for an E major triad.
Dominant chords are exceptionally versatile, so you’ll be amazed at how often they show up in songs.
That’s It
Now you know how to play 2 of the most common E9 chord shapes on the guitar!
If you’d like to learn more about harmony and how to use
