Am9 guitar chords
A-C-E-G-BAm9 comprises of the 1st, b3rd, 5th, b7th, and 9th notes of the A Major Scale.
- Construction: root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and ninth.
- A Major Scale: A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G# - A - B
- We need to extend the A Major Scale to accommodate the 9th note of the scale.
- Chord: Am9
- Formula: 1 - ♭3 - 5 - ♭7 - 9
- Notes: A - C - E - G - B
Am9 - A minor ninth (1-b3-5-b7-9)
Spelling: 1st(A), b3rd(C), 5th(E), b7th(G), 9th(B)
Chart Legend
Numbered Circles: number inside circle indicates which finger to useX: Don't play string
White Numbered Circles: Optional Notes
X on string with optional note: if you omit the note, don't play string
Unmarked strings: Play open
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings
R: Root Note
TAB: Numbers represent frets - not finger positions
Blank Strings: Do not Play
0: play string open
1st
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Written: x02413
Notes: x-A-E-B-C-G
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TAB e |-3-| B |-1-| G |-4-| D |-2-| A |-0-| E |---|
2nd
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Written: x05557
Notes: x-A-G-C-E-B
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TAB e |-7-| B |-5-| G |-5-| D |-5-| A |-0-| E |---|
3rd
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Written: x-12-10-12-12-0
Notes: x-A-C-G-B-E
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TAB e |-0--| B |-12-| G |-12-| D |-10-| A |-12-| E |----|
↓ Am9 Guitar Chords
Notes
- A minor 9th chord implies the presence of the preceding 1st, ♭3rd, 5th, ♭7th, before the added 9th.
- This could also be written as Am7add9 and is used in jazz and alternative styles of music.
- Standard keys using the Am9 chord: C major/ Am. This shows the major key as well as its relative minor key. Both the C Major and A minor scales share the same notes & key signature.
Am9 (A - C - E - G - B) utilizes notes belonging to the C Major/Am Scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B).
Other keys include: G major/Em, D major/Bm and F Major/Dm. - The chord has a jazzy and mellow quality due to the presence of the 9th (B) in addition to the standard minor triad (A, C, E). It's a chord that can evoke emotions and add sophistication to your chord progressions.
- The chord is commonly used in jazz, R&B, and other genres that emphasize extended harmonies. It can also work well in singer-songwriter and acoustic arrangements, adding color to your chord progressions.
- The chord can often be used as a substitution for the regular Am chord to add a more complex and interesting flavor to your music.
- Experiment with different strumming patterns and picking techniques to bring out the unique qualities of the Am9 chord. Consider using a softer touch to match its mellow sound.
- If you want to practice playing a song with m9 chords including Am9 try Copacabana by Barry Manilow. If you can master this song you are doing very well!