Bb9 Ukulele Chord
Want to play the Bb9 chord on your ukulele? 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 Bb9, step by step.
- Notes: Bb, D, F, Ab and C
- Frets: 3 2 4 3
- Tuning: g C E A
Bb9 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 9th
- Also known as
- Bb ninth
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9
- Intervals
- Bb (root), D (major 3rd), F (perfect 5th), Ab (minor 7th), C (9th)
- Notes
- Bb, D, F, Ab and C
- Frets
- 3 2 4 3
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Bb9 chord
Here is the Bb9 chord step by step:
- Put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the g string.
- Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string.
- Put your little finger on the 4th fret of the E string.
- Put your ring finger on the 3rd 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 Bb9 chord?
The Bb9 chord is built from five notes: Bb, D, F, Ab and C (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 Bb9 chord
Want to go further?
Once Bb9 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try Bb7, Bbmaj7, Bbm and Bb. Bb9 pairs most often with F, Eb and Gm, 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.