How to play the A7#9 chord on guitar

The A7#9 chord, pronounced "A dominant sharp ninth," is a colorful and dissonant guitar voicing. Notable for its edgy, tense sound, it's favored in jazz, blues, and funk music. The chord is formed by adding a sharpened ninth to a dominant seventh chord, creating an ear-catching clash between the third and sharp ninth intervals. Its unique flavor lends a sophisticated, avant-garde vibe to compositions.

The A7#9 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 5th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a A7#9 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 5th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the A7#9 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Strum only these two strings together.

This two-note version captures the essential sound of the A7#9 chord.

Playing the A7#9 chord as a barre chord allows you to easily transition between other barre chords and play the chord in different positions on the neck.

Here's how to play an A7#9 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 5th fret, covering all six strings (barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
4. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down.

The A7#9 chord often serves as a dramatic tension-builder or passing chord in progressions, lending an air of mystery, suspense, or even a hint of danger. Some common chord progressions featuring the A7#9 include:

• i - VII7#9 - i (Amin - A7#9 - Amin)
• i - VII7#9 - VI7 - VII7 (Amin - A7#9 - G7 - A7). Used in "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson.
• i - VII7#9 - iv - VII7#9 (Amin - A7#9 - Dmin - A7#9)
• VI7 - VII7#9 - i (F7 - A7#9 - Amin)
• ii - VII7#9 - III7 (Bmin7 - A7#9 - C#7)

Mastering the A7#9 chord on guitar can be challenging, but with focused practice, you'll be playing it like a pro in no time. One effective drill is to play the chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note individually in ascending and descending order. This helps your fingers develop muscle memory and ensures each note rings out clearly.

Another valuable exercise is to practice transitioning smoothly between the A7#9 and other common chords, such as A7, D7, and E7. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the changes.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the A7#9 chord.

1. Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: E7, G, A, E7, D, C, A7#9)
2. Foxey Lady by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: E7#9, F#7#9, G7#9, A7#9)
3. The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: A7#9, Dmaj7, Bm7, F#m7)
4. Stone Free by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: E7, D7, A7, C7, B7, A7#9)
5. Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: E, G, A, Emaj7, F#m7, B7, A7#9)
6. Spanish Castle Magic by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: A7#9, D7#9, E7#9)
7. Lonely Avenue by Ray Charles (Chords: A7#9, D9, A7#9, D9, A7#9, E9, D9, A7#9)
8. Drifting by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: E7, A7#9, D7#9, G7#9)
9. Belly Button Window by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: A7#9, D7#9, E7#9)
10. Rainy Day, Dream Away by Jimi Hendrix (Chords: A7#9, D7#9, G7#9, C7#9)