The Am9 guitar chord is a beautiful and complex chord that adds emotional depth to your playing. It’s commonly used in genres like jazz, blues, and soul due to its rich sound and smooth, slightly melancholic feel. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Am9 chord, from its structure to various ways to play it and tips for incorporating it into your music.
What is the Am9 Guitar Chord?
The Am9 chord is an A minor ninth chord, made up of the following notes:
- A (Root)
- C (Minor third)
- E (Perfect fifth)
- G (Minor seventh)
- B (Major ninth)
The Am9 chord has a distinct sound due to the combination of the minor seventh and the added ninth, which gives it both emotional depth and complexity. It’s used frequently in jazz and soul, where its expressive quality shines.
How to Play the Am9 Guitar Chord
Basic Open Am9 Chord
One of the most accessible ways to play the Am9 chord is in an open position. Here’s how to play it:
- Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string (E).
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Let the 2nd string (B) ring open.
- Let the 1st string (high E) ring open.
- Strum from the 6th string (low E) down to the 1st string.
This version of the Am9 chord has a bright, ringing sound thanks to the open strings.
Barre Chord Am9 Version
To play a more versatile version of the Am9 chord, use the following barre chord shape:
- Place your index finger to bar all the strings at the 5th fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Strum all six strings, making sure your index finger is barring the strings properly.
This version has a fuller, more powerful sound and works great in various musical contexts.
Video Tutorial Am9 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the Am9 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Variations of the Am9 Guitar Chord
There are a few different ways to voice the Am9 chord, each with its own unique flavor. Here are a couple of common variations:
Am9 (Jazz Voicing):
- Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string (E).
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Let the 2nd string (B) ring open.
- Let the high E string (1st string) ring open.
This voicing gives a smooth, jazz-influenced sound that’s often used in progressions.
Am9 (Barre Chord at the 12th fret):
- Place your index finger on the 12th fret of all strings (barring the fret).
- Place your ring finger on the 14th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 14th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Let the high E string (1st string) ring open.
- Strum all six strings from the low E.
This version is ideal for higher-pitched progressions or for adding harmonic richness.
Common Chord Progressions Featuring the Am9 Guitar Chord
The Am9 chord is a great addition to many chord progressions, especially in jazz, soul, and R&B. Here are some common progressions that feature Am9:
- Am9 – Dm7 – G7 (A common jazz progression that moves through a ii-V-I)
- Am9 – E7 – Am9 (A simple progression with a return to the tonic minor)
- Am9 – Cmaj7 – G13 (Popular in soul and jazz, using the Am9 as a tension-building chord)
- Am9 – Bm7 – E7 (Used in many blues and jazz standards)
These progressions highlight the versatility of the Am9 chord and how it works to create smooth transitions between other chords.
Tips for Playing the Am9 Guitar Chord
- Take your time with finger placement: The Am9 chord can be tricky at first, especially with the barre and finger stretches. Practice slowly and ensure each string rings clearly.
- Experiment with your strumming hand: The Am9 chord works well with both fingerpicking and strumming, depending on the genre and feel you’re going for. Try different techniques to discover what works best for you.
- Use in slow ballads or jazz standards: The Am9 chord adds emotional depth to ballads or jazz pieces. Experiment with it in these genres to see how it enhances the mood.
Popular Songs Featuring the Am9 Guitar Chord
The Am9 chord appears in many popular songs, particularly in jazz, R&B, and soul genres. Here are some examples of songs that feature the Am9 chord:
- “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
- “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
- “Blue in Green” by Miles Davis (commonly played on guitar in jazz renditions)
These songs use the Am9 chord to create a smooth, emotive atmosphere.
Related Chords to the Am9 Guitar Chord
If you like the sound of the Am9 chord, you might also enjoy these related chords:
- Am7: The base minor seventh chord without the ninth, giving a simpler, more straightforward sound.
- Am11: A more complex version of the Am9, adding the 11th (D) for a richer, more dense sound.
- Dm7: The ii7 chord in the key of C major, often used in conjunction with Am9 in jazz progressions.
- G7: A dominant seventh chord, often used in progressions that lead into the Am9.
Conclusion
The Am9 guitar chord is a versatile and beautiful chord that adds depth and emotion to your playing. Whether you’re working with jazz, soul, or R&B, the Am9 can elevate your chord progressions and provide a rich, complex sound. Experiment with different voicings and progressions, and soon you’ll be adding this amazing chord to your musical repertoire with ease. Happy playing!