Play the ninth suspended fourth chord on guitar

The ninth suspended fourth chord (9sus4) combines a 7sus4 chord with a major ninth, creating a rich and suspended harmonic texture.

Chord composition

IIVV♭VIIIX
RootPerfect fourthPerfect fifthMinor seventhMajor ninth
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Formula 1 - 4 - 5 - ♭7 - 9

Theory

The 9sus4 chord adds a major ninth to the 7sus4. C 9sus4 = C-F-G-B♭-D, G 9sus4 = G-C-D-F-A. The fifth can be omitted for easier playability. This chord creates rich suspension that can resolve to a 9 chord (by lowering the fourth to the third). Widely used in jazz and funk to create complex harmonic vamps.

Play the ninth suspended fourth chord on the guitar

The Ninth Suspended Fourth chord positions on guitar

Styles

Jazz Funk Fusion R&B Soul