How to play the Fm9 chord on guitar

The Fm9 chord, pronounced "F minor ninth," is a rich and expressive chord that adds a sophisticated touch to any musical composition. Notable for its smooth, jazzy sound, the Fm9 is frequently used in genres such as jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. This chord is particularly popular among guitarists looking to create a warm, mellow atmosphere in their songs.

The standard way to play the Fm9 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Fm9 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across the 1st fret, covering all six strings. This is a barre chord.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to play all six strings in a downward motion, starting from the lowest (thickest) string.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fm9 chord, try playing an Fm7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (high E) string, middle finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 1st fret of the 6th (low E) string.

The Fm9 chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but you can also play it as a barre chord to get a fuller sound and make it easier to transition to other barre chords.

Here's how to play an Fm9 barre chord:

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

The Fm9 chord adds a dreamy and contemplative feel to progressions, often used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul genres to create a smooth, mellow atmosphere. Some common chord progressions featuring Fm9 include:

• i - v - i - IV (Fm9 - Cm9 - Fm9 - B♭maj7)
• i - ♭VII - ♭VI - V (Fm9 - E♭maj9 - D♭maj9 - C9) Used in "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross
• i - ♭III - ♭VII - IV (Fm9 - A♭maj9 - E♭9 - B♭maj9)
• i - ♭VI - iv - V (Fm9 - D♭maj9 - B♭m7 - C9)
• i - ♭III - ♭VI - ♭VII (Fm9 - A♭maj9 - D♭maj9 - E♭9) Used in "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock

To master the Fm9 chord, start by playing each note individually, focusing on clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders, such as F-Ab-C-Eb-G, or F-C-G-Eb-Ab. This will help your fingers develop muscle memory and improve dexterity.

Next, try playing the notes together as a chord, strumming all five strings simultaneously. Begin slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. As you become more confident, gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy. With consistent practice, you'll be playing the Fm9 chord smoothly and effortlessly in no time!

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Fm9 chord:

1. All of Me by John Legend (Fm9, Ab, Db, Eb)
2. The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra (Fm9, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab)
3. Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles (Fm9, Bb7, Eb7, Ab)
4. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) by Nat King Cole (Fm9, Gm7, C7, F)
5. My Favorite Things by John Coltrane (Fm9, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab)
6. Misty by Erroll Garner (Fm9, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab)
7. Lush Life by Billy Strayhorn (Fm9, Db7, Gbm7, B7)
8. In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington (Fm9, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab)
9. Cry Me a River by Julie London (Fm9, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab)
10. Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma (Fm9, Bbm7, Eb7, Ab)