A9 Ukulele Chord
Need the A9 chord for a song? It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. Your fingers go on the g, C, E and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A four-finger shape. Here is how to play A9, step by step.
- 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 (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.
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 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.