A9 Ukulele Chord
A9 on ukulele is 2-1-3-2: put your index finger on the 1st fret of the C string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the g string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your little finger on the 3rd fret of the E string. It is a four-finger shape, a little fiddly at first but it settles fast.
- Notes: A, Db, E, G and B
- Frets: 2 1 3 2
- Tuning: g C E A
A9 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 9th
- Also known as
- A ninth
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9
- Intervals
- A (root), Db (major 3rd), E (perfect 5th), G (minor 7th), B (major 9th)
- Notes
- A, Db, E, G and B
- Frets
- 2 1 3 2
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the A9 chord
Here is the A9 chord step by step:
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the g string.
- Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the C string.
- Put your little finger on the 3rd fret of the E string.
- Put your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Strum all four strings.
It is a bit of a stretch, so go slow and let your hand learn the shape. These quick tips for tricky chords help. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play A9?
Yes: play it as 4-1-3-0. Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the C string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, your ring finger on the 4th fret of the g string and leave the A string open. It uses three fingers instead of four. Use it while the main shape is still settling, then go back to the full voicing for the bigger sound.
What notes are in the A9 chord?
The A9 chord is built from five notes: A, Db, E, G and B (the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th and major 9th). That flat seventh makes a dominant 7th restless. It leans forward and wants to resolve to the next chord, which is why it turns up all over blues and folk. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Ukulele songs that use the A9 chord
Want to go further?
Once A9 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try A7, Amaj7, Am and A. A9 pairs most often with D, E and Bm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.