B9 chord
B dominant ninth. One shape on the neck below, with the notes it's built from and the keys it belongs to.
Notes
- B
- 1
- D#
- 3
- F#
- 5
- A
- b7
- C#
- 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 B9
- Root on A
- x21222
Want to know why this chord works where it does? The Intermediate lessons cover it, and founding players get them first.
Keys with B9
B9 uses only notes from E major and C# minor. It sounds most at home in E major.