A flat ninth guitar chord (Ab9)

Also written G#9 (G sharp ninth)

A ninth chord adds a ninth to the seventh chord. A rich, groovy sound, typical of funk, soul and blues.

Positions and fingerings

× muted string · o open string · numbers: fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky)

Chord notes

NoteInterval
A♭ (A flat)root
Cmajor third
E♭ (E flat)perfect fifth
G♭ (G flat)minor seventh
B♭ (B flat)major ninth

Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – 9 · A♭ – C – E♭ – G♭ – B♭

A progression with this chord

  1. A♭9I9
  2. C♯9IV9
  3. A♭9I9

The basis of blues and funk: the ninth chord on the first degree, then on the fourth.

Other A♭ chords

The same chord on other roots