A ninth chord is a chord that includes the basic notes of a seventh chord (root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th) with an added ninth. Ninth chords create a complex, jazzy sound and are often used in blues, jazz, and funk to add harmonic richness and tension.
A Dominant Ninth (9) is the most common ninth chord, with a major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and added ninth. A Major Ninth (maj9) is major seventh chord with an added ninth. It has a major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and ninth, giving it a bright, jazzy sound. A minor seventh chord with an added ninth, which gives it a deep, rich sound.
Ninth chords have a lush, full sound due to the added ninth note, which creates a more complex harmony. Dominant ninth chords add tension, while major and minor ninth chords have a smoother feel.
Dominant ninths often resolve to tonic chords, while major and minor ninths add depth to chord progressions.
| Chord | Character | Intervals | Example Chord |
| Major 9 | Happy | 1-3-7-9 | Cmaj9 – C E B D |
| Minor 9 | Sad | 1-b3-b7-9 | Cm9 – C Eb Bb D |
| Minor/Major 9 | Spy Movie Chord | 1-b3-7-9 | Cm/Maj9 – C Eb B D |
| Dominant 9 | Tense | 1-3-b7-9 | C9 – C E Bb D |
| Dominant7#9 | Hendrix Chord | 1-3-b7-#9 | C7#9 – C E Bb D# |
| Major 11 | Happy | 1-7-9-11 | Cmaj11 – C B D F |
| Minor 11 | Sad | 1-b3-b7-9-11 | Cm11 – C Eb Bb D F |
| Dominant 11 | Tense | 1-b7-9-11 | C11 – C Bb D F |
| Major 13 | Happy | 1-3-7-13 | Cmaj13 – C E B A |
| Minor 13 | Sad | 1-b3-b7-13 | Cm13 – C Eb Bb A |
| Dominant 13 | Tense | 1-3-b7-13 | C13 – C E Bb A |
There are several ninth chord shapes that are portable and can be played anywhere on the neck.
Portable Ninth chord with the root note on the 5th string
Portable Ninth chord with the root note on the 6th string
Portable Ninth chord with the root note on the 1st string
Portable add9 chord with the root note on the 4th string
Portable m9 chord with the root note on the 6th string
Portable add9 chord with the root note on the 6th string
Portable Maj9 chord with the root note on the 5th string
