How to play the Ab7#9 chord on guitar

The Ab7#9 chord, pronounced "A flat seven sharp nine," is a beautifully complex and dissonant chord that adds intrigue to any progression. Notable for its unique voicing and tension, the Ab7#9 is often used in jazz, blues, and funk genres to create a sense of mystery and sophistication. Songs like Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" and Steely Dan's "Josie" prominently feature this captivating chord.

The most common way to play the Ab7#9 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Ab7#9 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 4th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to play all six strings simultaneously, starting from the lowest (thickest) string and moving towards the highest (thinnest) string in one smooth motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ab7#9 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Play only these two strings together.

This two-note version still captures the essence of the Ab7#9 chord.

Playing the Ab7#9 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your guitar playing.

Here's how to play an Ab7#9 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 4th fret, covering all six strings (barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The Ab7#9 chord adds a sharp ninth tension to the dominant seventh, creating a sense of increased drama, suspense, or even unease in chord progressions. It is often used as a passing chord or to add color to a progression. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Ab7#9 chord:

• I - Ab7#9 - I (Ab - Ab7#9 - Ab). Used in "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix.
• I - Ab7#9 - IV (Ab - Ab7#9 - Db).
• iv - Ab7#9 - I (Fm - Ab7#9 - Ab).
• ii - V7 - Ab7#9 - I (Bbm - Eb7 - Ab7#9 - Ab).
• vi - Ab7#9 - ii - V (Fm - Ab7#9 - Bbm - Eb7).

To master the Ab7#9 chord, start by playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, practice transitioning smoothly between the notes in various sequences, such as ascending, descending, or skipping strings.

Next, work on strumming the chord, ensuring all notes ring out clearly. Experiment with different rhythms and strumming patterns to develop your timing and coordination. Regularly incorporate the Ab7#9 chord into your playing, using it in progressions and songs to reinforce your muscle memory and familiarity with its sound.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Ab7#9 chord.

1. The Girl from Ipanema by Stan Getz & João Gilberto (Fmaj7, G7, Gm7, Ab7#9)
2. Epistrophy by Thelonious Monk (Bb7, Ab7#9, Db7)
3. Stablemates by Benny Golson (Fm7, Bb7, Eb7, Ab7#9, Dbmaj7)
4. Witch Hunt by Wayne Shorter (Cm7, Ab7#9, Gm7b5, C7b9)
5. Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum by Wayne Shorter (Ebmaj7, Abmaj7#11, Ab7#9, Dbmaj7)
6. Nica's Dream by Horace Silver (Fm7, Ab7#9, Dbmaj7, Bb7, Eb7)
7. Moment's Notice by John Coltrane (Bbm7, Eb7, Ab7#9, Dbmaj7)
8. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat by Charles Mingus (Cm7, Ab7#9, Gm7b5, C7b9)
9. Crescent by John Coltrane (Cm7, Ab7#9, G7b9, Cm7, F7)
10. Ask Me Now by Thelonious Monk (Ab7#9, Dbmaj7, Dm7b5, G7b9)