How to play the B69 chord on guitar

The B69 chord, pronounced "B sixth added ninth," is a rich and complex chord that adds color to a variety of musical styles. Notable for its dreamy and jazzy sound, the B69 is often used in genres like neo-soul, R&B, and funk. Its unique voicing, which includes both the sixth and ninth notes of the scale, creates a lush and sophisticated harmonic texture.

The B69 chord is typically played as a barre chord starting on the 7th fret of the guitar neck.

Follow these finger positions to play a B69 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across the 7th fret, covering all six strings (barre chord).
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
4. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 1st (high E) string.

Strum all six strings together, starting from the lowest (thickest) string and moving towards the highest (thinnest) string to play the B69 chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the B69 chord, try playing a standard B major chord and adding your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. This will give you a B6 chord, which is close to a B69 and easier to play.

I'm not confident that a popular B69 guitar barre chord shape exists. Most B69 chords would typically be played in open positions.

The B69 chord, a variation of the B6 chord, adds a dreamy and slightly jazzy flavor to chord progressions, often evoking feelings of nostalgia, sophistication, or even a touch of melancholy. Some common chord progressions featuring the B69 chord include:

• I-vi-ii-V: B69-G#m7-C#m7-F#7 (Used in "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Misty")
• ii-V-I: C#m7-F#7-B69
• iii-vi-ii-V: D#m7-G#m7-C#m7-F#7
• I-vi-IV-V: B69-G#m7-E7-F#7 (Used in "The Way You Look Tonight")
• I-ii-iii-VI: B69-C#m7-D#m7-G#7

Mastering the B69 Guitar Chord

To master the B69 chord, try playing the individual notes (B, D#, F#, G#, C#) in sequence, focusing on clean execution and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning smoothly between these notes, ensuring each one rings out clearly.

Another effective drill is to play the B69 chord in various rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or even syncopated rhythms. This helps develop muscle memory and enables you to use the chord comfortably in different musical contexts.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the B6/9 chord.

1. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, A7sus4, B6/9)
2. Something by The Beatles (C, C/B, Am, Am/G, F, D7/F#, B6/9, E7)
3. Body and Soul by Amy Winehouse (Gm7, C7, F7, B6/9, Bb7, Eb6/9, D7)
4. Stardust by Hoagy Carmichael (G, Em7, Am7, D7, Gmaj7, B6/9, E7, Am7, D7)
5. Till There Was You by The Beatles (F, Gm7, Am, B6/9, C, D7, G7, C7, F)
6. This Boy by The Beatles (Dm, B6/9, G)
7. Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A, F#m, B6/9, E)
8. Lately by Stevie Wonder (Gm7, C7sus4, C7, F7, E6/9, A7, Dm7, B6/9)
9. Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) by Antonio Carlos Jobim (Am6, B6/9, Cmaj7, G#7b5)
10. One Note Samba by Antonio Carlos Jobim (Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, C7, B6/9, Bb7, Am7, D7)