The Amaj9 guitar chord is a beautiful and sophisticated chord that adds a jazzy, dreamy, and complex flavor to your playing. It’s an extension of the A major chord, featuring the 9th note (B) in addition to the standard A major notes, which makes it an ideal chord for jazz, fusion, and contemporary music.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to play the Amaj9 chord, its variations, and how to incorporate it into your music.
What is the Amaj9 Guitar Chord?
The Amaj9 chord is made up of the following notes:
- A (the root note)
- C# (the major third)
- E (the perfect fifth)
- G# (the major seventh)
- B (the major ninth)
When you play the Amaj9 chord, you’re adding both the 7th and 9th to the traditional A major chord, which creates a more colorful, open sound that’s perfect for adding depth to chord progressions.
How to Play the Amaj9 Guitar Chord
Open Position (Basic Amaj9 Chord)
Here’s a simple way to play the Amaj9 chord in the open position:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Let the A string (5th string) ring open.
- Let the high E string (1st string) ring open.
- Strum from the 5th string (A string) down to the 1st string.
This version of the Amaj9 chord gives you a simple yet effective voicing of the chord.
Amaj9 Variations and Alternate Shapes
Amaj9 (Barre Chord Version)
For a more powerful sound, try playing the Amaj9 chord as a barre chord. Here’s how to do it:
- Barre all strings at the 5th fret with your index finger.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Let the high E string (1st string) ring open.
- Strum all six strings.
This barre chord version provides a fuller sound and allows you to use the chord in a wide range of musical contexts.
Amaj9 (Higher Position)
You can also play Amaj9 in a higher position for a brighter, higher-pitched sound:
- Barre the top five strings at the 14th fret with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 16th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your ring finger on the 16th fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Strum from the 5th string to the high E string.
This version of the Amaj9 chord is great for adding a more ethereal or “spacey” feel to your music.
Video Tutorial Amaj9 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the Amaj9 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Using Amaj9
The Amaj9 chord is often used in more sophisticated progressions, especially in jazz, soul, and contemporary music. Here are a few chord progressions that incorporate Amaj9:
- Amaj9 – Bm7 – E7 (A common jazz or soul progression)
- Amaj9 – Dmaj7 – Emaj7 (Smooth progression used in pop and R&B)
- Amaj9 – F#m7 – Bm7 (A mellow, emotional progression)
- Amaj9 – C#m7 – F#m7 – B7 (A more complex jazz progression)
Popular Songs Featuring the Amaj9 Chord
Many contemporary and jazz musicians use the Amaj9 chord for its rich sound. Here are a few examples of songs that feature the Amaj9 chord:
- “Just Friends (Sunny)” by Musiq Soulchild
- “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson
- “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by The Fugees
Tips for Practicing the Amaj9 Chord
Beginner Tips:
- Focus on clarity: Make sure that all the notes ring out clearly, especially the open strings, when playing the Amaj9 chord in its open position.
- Proper finger placement: Keep your fingers arched to avoid muting any strings, especially when using the barre chord shape.
- Practice your barre technique: If you’re playing the barre chord version of Amaj9, ensure you’re pressing down evenly with your index finger to avoid muted or buzzing notes.
Advanced Tips:
- Experiment with fingerpicking: Use fingerpicking to create a more intricate sound and to bring out the nuances of the Amaj9 chord.
- Incorporate inversions: Try playing the Amaj9 chord in different inversions across the neck to create smoother transitions between chords.
- Mix with other extended chords: Pair the Amaj9 with other extended chords, like Bm7, Cmaj7, and D9, for a jazzier sound.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Muted strings: Ensure that your fingers are arched properly, especially when barring chords, to prevent accidental muting of strings.
- Strumming the wrong strings: Make sure you don’t accidentally strum the low E string when playing the open position Amaj9 chord.
- Incorrect barre technique: If you’re using the barre chord version, ensure that your index finger is pressing down evenly across all the strings for a clean, buzzing-free sound.
Related Chords to Amaj9
If you enjoy the sound of the Amaj9 chord, you may also want to explore these related chords:
- Amaj7: The basic major seventh chord of A, which is simpler but still adds a jazzy feel.
- A6: A major sixth chord that offers a smoother, more open sound.
- F#m7: A minor seventh chord that pairs well with Amaj9 in jazz and soul progressions.
- Bm7: A minor seventh chord that is often used in progressions with Amaj9 for a smooth transition.
Conclusion
The Amaj9 guitar chord is an incredible chord that adds sophistication, depth, and complexity to your playing. It’s perfect for musicians who want to experiment with more colorful and jazz-inspired sounds. Whether you are playing a simple open position or using a barre chord, the Amaj9 chord will elevate your music and provide endless creative possibilities.
With practice, you’ll be able to master this chord and seamlessly incorporate it into your progressions. Happy playing!