How to play the B7b9 chord on guitar

The B7b9 chord, pronounced "B dominant flat ninth," is a complex and intriguing guitar chord. It adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to progressions, thanks to the tension created by the flat ninth interval. This chord is commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk music to add depth and character. Notable examples include Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" and Steely Dan's "Josie."

The most common way to play the B7b9 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 7th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a B7b9 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 7th fret of all six strings (barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the B7b9 chord, making sure each note rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the B7b9 chord, try playing a B7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the 1st (high E) string, middle finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd (B) string, and ring finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Playing a B7b9 as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your guitar playing. It's also a useful alternative when you need to quickly transition to other chords or play the chord in a higher position on the neck.

Here's how to play a B7b9 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The B7b9 chord often serves as a dominant chord resolving to the tonic, adding a bluesy or jazzy flavor to progressions and evoking feelings of tension, sophistication, and intrigue.

• I - IV - I - V7/IV - IV - B7b9 - I (B - E - B - F#7 - E - B7b9 - B)
• I - vi - ii - B7b9 - I (B - G#m - C#m - B7b9 - B)
• I - V7/ii - ii - V7 - B7b9 - I (B - C#7 - C#m - F#7 - B7b9 - B)
• ii - V7 - I - vi - B7b9 - I (C#m - F#7 - B - G#m - B7b9 - B)
• I - iii - vi - B7b9 - I (B - D#m - G#m - B7b9 - B)

To master the B7b9 guitar chord, try practicing the chord progression: B7b9 - E7 - A7 - B7b9. This will help you transition smoothly in and out of the B7b9 chord. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and tempo throughout the progression.

Another effective drill is to practice the B7b9 chord in various strumming patterns. Start with simple downstrokes, then gradually incorporate upstrokes and more complex patterns. This will improve your coordination and help you develop muscle memory for the chord shape.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the B7b9 chord:

1. The Girl from Ipanema by Stan Getz, João Gilberto, and Astrud Gilberto (A-7, D-7, G7, C-7, F7, B7b9)
2. Oye Como Va by Santana (A-7, D9, E7b9, A-7, B7b9, E7b9)
3. Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra (A-7, D-7, G7, C-7, F7, B7b9, E7b9, A-7)
4. Satin Doll by Duke Ellington (D-7, G7, E-7, A7, D-7, G7, C-7, F7, B7b9)
5. Take Five by Dave Brubeck (E-7, A7, D-7, G7, C-7, F7, B7b9)
6. Black Orpheus by Luiz Bonfá (A-7, D-7, G7, C-7, F7, B7b9)
7. Desafinado by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd (A-7, D-7, G7, C-7, F7, B7b9)
8. Song for My Father by Horace Silver (F-7, Bb7, Eb-7, Ab7, Db-7, Gb7, B7b9)
9. Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham (C-7, F-7, B7b9, E-7, A7, D-7, G7)
10. Sugar by Stanley Turrentine (C-7, F7, B7b9, E-7, A7, D-7, G7)