The Emaj9 guitar chord (E major ninth) is a beautifully complex chord that adds a lush, jazzy feel to your playing. It extends the E major chord by adding both a major seventh and a ninth, creating a rich and harmonious sound. It’s often used in jazz, R&B, and even pop, bringing a smooth, dreamy quality to chord progressions.
1. What is an Emaj9 Guitar Chord?
The Emaj9 chord is an extension of the E major chord. It includes the root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and the ninth of the E major scale. This combination of notes gives the chord its rich, full sound that is both mellow and bright.
Emaj9 Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Major third (G#)
- Perfect fifth (B)
- Major seventh (D#)
- Major ninth (F#)
Adding the ninth (F#) on top of the E major seventh chord (Emaj7) creates a beautifully complex sound.
2. How to Play the Emaj9 Guitar Chord
Here are a couple of ways to play the Emaj9 chord on the guitar:
Emaj9 Open Position:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum all six strings, letting the low E and high E strings ring out for a full, resonant sound.
This open position is an easy and effective way to play Emaj9, providing a bright and expansive sound.
Emaj9 Barre Chord (7th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the A string down for a smooth, jazzy version of Emaj9.
The barre chord version provides a richer, more focused sound and is ideal for advanced players who want a fuller tone.
Strumming Tips:
- Light, fingerstyle picking or soft strumming can bring out the warmth and complexity of the Emaj9 chord.
- Focus on dynamics, using both light and strong strums to vary the intensity of the sound.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on how to play the Emaj9 chord, check out this Video Tutorial on the Emaj9 Chord. It covers different versions and transitions.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Emaj9 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Muted strings: In both the open and barre positions, ensure you’re pressing firmly to avoid muted strings, especially the high E and B strings.
- Inconsistent strumming: Since the Emaj9 chord is complex, it’s easy to overpower the chord with too aggressive strumming. Strum gently to allow all notes to ring clearly.
Tips for Playing the Emaj9 Chord:
- Check individual strings: Play each string one by one to ensure that all notes are clear and unmuted.
- Practice transitioning: Move between Emaj9 and chords like Amaj7 or B9 to improve your fluidity and chord transitions.
- Focus on clarity: Since Emaj9 has many notes, make sure each note can be heard distinctly, especially when fingerpicking.
5. Emaj9 Chord Variations
Here are some useful variations of the Emaj9 chord:
- Emaj9 (12th Fret): You can play a higher-pitched version of Emaj9 by barring at the 12th fret for a brighter, more delicate sound.
- Emaj7: Simplify the chord by removing the ninth and just playing Emaj7 for a slightly less complex, but still rich, sound.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the Emaj9 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- Emaj9 – Amaj7 – Dmaj9: A smooth, jazzy progression with lots of open voicings.
- Emaj9 – C#m7 – F#7 – B9: A classic jazz progression that pairs well with fingerpicking.
- Emaj9 – G#m7 – F#m7 – B7: This progression can be used in soulful ballads or jazz tunes.
Songs Featuring the Emaj9 Chord:
- “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5: The Emaj9 chord is used to create a jazzy, laid-back feel.
- “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton: Uses Emaj9 in parts of its intricate chord progression.
- “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers: Features Emaj9 to add warmth and depth to the jazz/soul progression.
7. Tips for Practicing the Emaj9 Guitar Chord
- Use a metronome: Practice moving between Emaj9 and other chords in time to build confidence and timing.
- Start slow: If you’re new to complex chords, practice Emaj9 at a slow tempo, making sure every note is clear before speeding up.
- Experiment with fingerpicking: The Emaj9 chord’s rich harmonic structure lends itself well to fingerpicking, so experiment with arpeggios.
8. Related Chords to Emaj9 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that pair well with Emaj9:
- Amaj7: A major seventh chord that complements Emaj9 beautifully in jazz or pop progressions.
- B9: A ninth chord that pairs well with Emaj9 in jazz or blues progressions.
- C#m7: A minor seventh chord that fits well in progressions involving Emaj9 for soulful or jazzy vibes.