How to play the Eb9 chord on guitar

The Eb9 chord, pronounced "E flat dominant ninth," is a rich and versatile guitar chord that adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to progressions. Notable for its inclusion of the flatted seventh and ninth notes, the Eb9 is often used in blues, jazz, and funk music to create tension and resolution. Its unique voicing opens up creative possibilities for composers and guitarists alike.

The standard way to play an Eb9 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 6th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play an Eb9 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), and 5th (A) strings, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the Eb9 chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Eb9 chord, try playing it as a four-string open chord. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and strum only the top four strings.

The Eb9 chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for quickly changing to other chords in a progression or playing the chord in a different position on the neck.

Here's how to play an Eb9 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The Eb9 chord is often used to add a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to chord progressions, creating a sense of tension and resolution. Some common Eb9 chord progressions include:

• I - vi - ii - V7 (Eb9 - Cm7 - Fm7 - Bb13)
• ii - V7 - I - vi (Fm7 - Bb13 - Eb9 - Cm7)
• I - IV - V7 (Eb9 - Ab9 - Bb13) Used in "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Misty"
• iii - vi - ii - V7 (Gm7 - Cm7 - Fm7 - Bb13)
• I - vi - IV - V7 (Eb9 - Cm7 - Ab9 - Bb13) Used in "Autumn Leaves" and "Girl from Ipanema"

To master the Eb9 guitar chord, start by practicing the chord shape itself. Focus on cleanly fretting each note and switching between Eb9 and other chords you already know. Strum the chord repeatedly, ensuring each note rings out clearly.

Next, try playing Eb9 in different progressions and songs. Explore how it fits with other chords like Ab, Fm, and Bb. Experiment with various strumming patterns and rhythms to develop your muscle memory. With consistent practice, you'll soon be comfortable playing Eb9 in any musical context.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Eb9 chord.

1. I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye (Eb9, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7)
2. Shout by The Isley Brothers (Eb9, Fm7, Bb7, Cm7)
3. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (Eb9, Dm7, Bb7, Cm7)
4. Superstition by Stevie Wonder (Eb9, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7)
5. Good Times by Chic (Eb9, Dm7, Gm7, Cm7)
6. September by Earth, Wind & Fire (Eb9, Dm7, Gm7, Cm7)
7. I Feel Good by James Brown (Eb9, Fm7, Bb7, Cm7)
8. Best of My Love by The Emotions (Eb9, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7)
9. Dance to the Music by Sly & The Family Stone (Eb9, Fm7, Gm7, Cm7)
10. Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire (Eb9, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7)