How to play the B9 chord on guitar
Spice up your playing with this jazzy chord, featured in hits like "The Girl from Ipanema."
The B9 chord
The B9 chord, pronounced "B dominant ninth," is a jazzy and sophisticated guitar chord. It adds a hint of tension and intrigue to the standard B dominant seventh chord by including the ninth scale degree. The B9 is commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk music to create smooth transitions between chords. Its rich, complex sound makes it a favorite among guitarists.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common B9 chord. We've also included other versions below.
![B9 guitar chord diagram](/_next/image?url=%2Fguitar%2Fchords%2FB9.png&w=640&q=75)
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Finger placement for B9 chord
The B9 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 7th fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a B9 chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret, barring all six strings.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 1st (high E) string.
Strum all six strings together to play the B9 chord. You can use a downward stroke or alternate between downward and upward strokes for a more rhythmic feel.
How to play an easy B9 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the B9 chord, try playing a three-note version:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (E) string.
How to play a B9 bar chord
Playing the B9 chord as a barre chord can make it easier to transition to and from other chords quickly, and can give the chord a fuller sound.
Here's how to play a B9 bar chord:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), and 1st (E) strings.
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Strum all six strings.
Common B9 chord progressions
The B9 chord is often used to add a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to chord progressions, creating a sense of tension and resolution. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the B9 chord:
- ii-V-I: Cm7 - F7 - B9 (Used in "Girl from Ipanema" and "Fly Me to the Moon")
- I-vi-ii-V: B9 - G#m7 - C#m7 - F#7 (Used in "Autumn Leaves" and "My Romance")
- iii-vi-ii-V: D#m7 - G#m7 - C#m7 - F#7 - B9
- I-VI-ii-V: B9 - G#7 - C#m7 - F#7
- ii-V-I-IV: C#m7 - F#7 - B9 - E7
Drills to master the B9 chord
Mastering the B9 chord on guitar can be achieved through targeted drills. One effective exercise is to play each note of the chord individually, focusing on clarity and precision. Start with the root note B, then progress through D#, F#, A, and C#, ensuring each note rings out cleanly.
Another beneficial drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between the B9 chord and other common chords, such as E, A, and D. Begin slowly, concentrating on maintaining proper form and minimizing any buzzing or muted strings. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the transitions.
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Songs that feature the B9 chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the B9 chord:
- Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix (C, G, D, A, E, B)
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A)
- Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
- Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C, D, F, G)
- Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, A, G)
- All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan (Am, G, F)
- Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (G, D, Am, C)
- Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am)
- Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, D, C#m, B7, G#m)
- Layla by Eric Clapton (Dm, Bb, C, F, Gm)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.