A MAJOR NINTH - GUITAR
Open position
Bass position 5
Chord composition
| I | III | V | VII | IX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Major third | Perfect fifth | Major seventh | Major ninth |
| A | C# | E | G# | B |
ALL ABOUT THE A MAJOR NINTH CHORD
Chord Composition
The A Major Ninth chord is composed of 5 notes :
- A (Root)
- C# (Major third)
- E (Perfect fifth)
- G# (Major seventh)
- B (Major ninth)
These notes form a major ninth chord, combining stability and harmonic richness.
How to play A Major Ninth on guitar
The maj9 chord A Major Ninth is a major seventh chord (1-3-5-7) with an added major ninth.
- Complete structure: root, major third, fifth, major seventh, major ninth (5 notes)
- Lush sound: very rich and sophisticated, emblematic of modern jazz
- Enriched rest chord: replaces Imaj7 for even more color
- Extended voicings: often played on 5-6 strings in jazz
This is probably the richest and most consonant chord in jazz, combining the sweetness of major seventh with the brightness of the ninth.
Common uses of A Major Ninth
The maj9 chord brings maximum sophistication:
- Modern jazz: preferred tonic chord (Imaj9)
- Bossa nova: emblematic color of the style
- Neo-soul and R&B: modern harmonic sophistication
- Jazz ballads: creates lush atmosphere
Styles
Modern jazz: sophisticated rest chord.
Bossa nova: defines elegant Brazilian sound.
Neo-soul: contemporary harmonic richness.