E9 Ukulele Chord
E9 on ukulele is 1-2-2-2: barre the 2nd fret across the C, E and A strings with your ring finger and put your index finger on the 1st fret of the g string. It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning.
- Notes: E, Ab, B, D and Gb
- Frets: 1 2 2 2
- Tuning: g C E A
E9 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 9th
- Also known as
- E ninth
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9
- Intervals
- E (root), Ab (major 3rd), B (perfect 5th), D (minor 7th), Gb (major 9th)
- Notes
- E, Ab, B, D and Gb
- Frets
- 1 2 2 2
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the E9 chord
Here is the E9 chord step by step:
- Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the g string.
- Lay your ring finger flat across the C, E and A strings at the 2nd fret, a small barre.
- Strum all four strings.
Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side so it presses every string evenly. Read how to play bar chords if it keeps buzzing. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play E9?
Not really. 1-2-2-2 is already the simplest playable shape for E9 on a ukulele; every alternative either needs more fingers or sits higher up the neck. If it still feels awkward, the tips above are the fix.
What notes are in the E9 chord?
The E9 chord is built from five notes: E, Ab, B, D and Gb (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 E9 chord
Want to go further?
Once E9 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try E7, Emaj7, Em and E. E9 pairs most often with A, B and Dbm, 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.