Ab9 chord
A-flat dominant ninth, also written G#9. One shape on the neck below, with the notes it's built from and the keys it belongs to.
Notes
- Ab
- 1
- C
- 3
- Eb
- 5
- Gb
- b7
- Bb
- 9
The major third is what makes it sound bright and settled.
The minor seventh adds a bluesy edge and leaves the chord sounding unfinished.
The 9th adds color on top without changing whether it's major or minor.
How to play Ab9
- Root on A
- x-11-10-11-11-11
Want to know why this chord works where it does? The Intermediate lessons cover it, and founding players get them first.
Keys with Ab9
Ab9 uses only notes from Db major and Bb minor. It sounds most at home in Db major.