This week's Guitar Chord Of The Week is a major 9th chord. This is a sweet-sounding chord which, in this form, is quite easy to play. Use it to brighten up chord progressions by using in the place of standard major chords. It is also a nice chord to end a song with, as it has an open, jazzy sound. Give it a try...
Major 9th Chord
Major 9th chords are similar to major 7th chords. The only difference is that major 9th chords have an additional note: the ninth.
Therefore, a C major ninth chord will contain the notes: C, E, G, B (the major 7th notes), plus a D (the ninth). the diagram below shows how it works:
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Playing The Major Ninth Chord Shape
This week's major ninth chord is a movable shape. Position the blue note on the diagram over the desired root note on the fretboard. Use this fretboard chart if you are unsure of where the notes are located.
Like last week's minor 7th flat five chord, the major 9th shape omits the top and bottom strings. You can do this either by simply avoiding playing them in your strumming, or by muting the bottom string with the thumb, and the top string with your index finger.
Major 9th Chord Example Chord Sequence
The Major 9th Chord is a nice chord to end a song with. Play the first four chords twice, then end on the major ninth chord for an 'open', jazzy sound.
More Chord Information: Last Week's Guitar Chord Of The Week.
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