Emaj9 Ukulele Chord
Emaj9 on ukulele is 8-8-0-9: barre the 8th fret across the g and C strings with your index finger, put your middle finger on the 9th fret of the A string and leave the E string open. It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning.
- Notes: E, Ab, B, Eb and Gb
- Frets: 8 8 0 9
- Tuning: g C E A
Emaj9 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Major 9th
- Also known as
- E major ninth
- Formula
- 1 3 5 7 9
- Intervals
- E (root), Ab (major 3rd), B (perfect 5th), Eb (major 7th), Gb (major 9th)
- Notes
- E, Ab, B, Eb and Gb
- Frets
- 8 8 0 9
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Emaj9 chord
Here is the Emaj9 chord step by step:
- Lay your index finger flat across the g and C strings at the 8th fret, a small barre.
- Put your middle finger on the 9th fret of the A string.
- Leave the E string open.
- 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 Emaj9?
Not really. 8-8-0-9 is already the simplest playable shape for Emaj9 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 Emaj9 chord?
The Emaj9 chord is built from five notes: E, Ab, B, Eb and Gb (the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, major 7th and major 9th). The major seventh lays a dreamy, jazzy warmth over a bright major chord. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Want to go further?
Once Emaj9 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try E7, Emaj7, Em and E. It works as a richer color alongside the basic chords you already know. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.