The E9 guitar chord (E dominant ninth) is a powerful, jazzy-sounding chord that adds richness and complexity to your playing. This chord is commonly found in blues, jazz, funk, and soul music. By adding a ninth (F#) on top of an E7 chord, the E9 creates a fuller, more vibrant sound. In this guide, we’ll break down what the E9 chord is, how to play it, common mistakes, tips, and more.
1. What is an E9 Guitar Chord?
The E9 chord is a dominant ninth chord that extends the standard E7 chord by adding the ninth note from the E major scale. It is built from the following notes:
E9 Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Major third (G#)
- Perfect fifth (B)
- Minor seventh (D)
- Major ninth (F#)
The ninth note (F#) adds extra color and tension, which resolves nicely in blues and jazz progressions.
2. How to Play the E9 Guitar Chord
There are several ways to play the E9 chord on guitar, ranging from beginner-friendly open chords to more advanced barre shapes.
E9 Open Position:
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string (4th string).
- Leave the G string (3rd string) open.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Leave the high E string (1st string) open.
- Strum from the A string down.
This version of the E9 is easy to play and provides a bright, open sound.
E9 Barre Chord (7th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across all the strings at the 7th fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the low E string down.
This barre chord version is more advanced but offers a fuller, tighter sound that works well in jazz and blues.
Strumming Tips:
- When strumming the E9 chord, aim for a smooth, steady motion to bring out the chord’s unique tension and richness.
- Experiment with fingerpicking to explore the harmonic complexity of the E9 chord.
3. Video Tutorial
For a step-by-step guide on how to play the E9 chord, check out this Video Tutorial on the E9 Chord. This tutorial covers both beginner and advanced versions.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the E9 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Muted strings: In both the open and barre versions, make sure your fingers press firmly to avoid any muted strings, especially the G and B strings.
- Over-strumming: The E9 chord is complex, so strumming too hard can cause the notes to blend together poorly. Use controlled strumming for a clean sound.
Tips for Playing the E9 Chord:
- Break it down: Start by playing the chord slowly, making sure each note rings clearly before speeding up.
- Work on transitions: Practice moving between E9 and other dominant chords like A9 or B7 to improve your fluidity.
- Use dynamics: Vary your strumming intensity to explore the full range of the E9 chord’s sound.
5. E9 Chord Variations
The E9 chord has a few variations that can add variety to your playing:
- E9 Barre Chord (12th Fret): Play a higher-pitched version of the E9 chord at the 12th fret for a brighter, more ringing tone.
- E13: Extend the E9 chord by adding the 13th note (C#) for a jazzier sound.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the E9 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- E9 – A9 – B7: A classic blues progression, where the E9 adds a rich, dominant tension.
- E9 – G#m7 – C#m7 – F#7: A jazz progression that works well with fingerpicking or smooth strumming.
- E9 – A13 – D9: A funky progression that makes use of the dominant sound of the E9 chord.
Songs Featuring the E9 Chord:
- “Funky Broadway” by Wilson Pickett: The E9 chord plays a prominent role in this funk classic.
- “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King: A blues track that makes great use of the E9 chord in its progressions.
- “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan: Features the E9 chord in the rhythm parts of this blues-rock tune.
7. Tips for Practicing the E9 Guitar Chord
- Use a metronome: Start slowly, especially if you’re new to barre chords, and use a metronome to build speed while keeping your timing consistent.
- Focus on clarity: Play the chord one note at a time to ensure each note rings out clearly, then gradually work up to strumming.
- Incorporate into songs: Practice playing the E9 chord in the context of blues or jazz progressions to understand how it fits into different musical styles.
8. Related Chords to E9 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that pair well with the E9 chord:
- A9: Another dominant ninth chord that fits well in blues and jazz progressions.
- B7: A dominant seventh chord that is often used after the E9 in blues progressions.
- C#m7: A minor seventh chord that pairs beautifully with the E9 chord in more complex progressions.
The E9 guitar chord is an essential chord for any guitarist looking to add some jazzy flair to their playing. Its rich, full sound makes it a perfect fit for blues, jazz, and funk. Whether you’re strumming the open version or tackling the barre chord, the E9 will add depth and sophistication to your playing. Happy strumming!