How to play the E9 chord on guitar

The E9 chord, pronounced "E dominant ninth," is a versatile and expressive guitar chord that adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to progressions. Notable for its rich, full sound, the E9 is often used in blues, jazz, and funk music. It's a staple in songs like "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King and "Who Did You Think I Was" by John Mayer.

The E9 chord is typically played on the 7th fret as a barre chord.

Follow these finger positions to play a E9 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 7th fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the E9 chord. You can use a simple downstroke or experiment with different strumming patterns to add rhythm and style to your playing.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E9 chord, try playing an open E chord (022100) and add your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string. This version of the E9 chord is easier to play and still captures the dominant ninth sound.

The E9 chord is typically played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for adding variety or playing in different positions on the neck.

Here's how to play a E9 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 7th fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string.

The E9 chord is commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk music to add a sophisticated, bluesy flavor to progressions. These progressions often evoke a laid-back, soulful, or slightly melancholic emotional feel:

• I - IV - V (E9 - A9 - B9) Used in "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King
• ii - V - I (F#m7 - B9 - E9) Used in "Satin Doll" by Duke Ellington
• I - vi - ii - V (E9 - C#m7 - F#m7 - B9)
• I - VI - II - V (E9 - C9 - F9 - B9)
• iii - VI - ii - V (G#m7 - C#9 - F#m7 - B9)

To master the E9 chord, try playing the individual notes (E, G#, B, D, F#) one at a time, focusing on each note's clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning smoothly between these notes in various patterns.

Another effective drill is to play the E9 chord in different rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or a combination of both. This will help develop muscle memory and improve your timing when using the chord in songs.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the E9 chord:

1. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am7, E9)
2. Melissa by The Allman Brothers Band (E9, G, D, A, E)
3. Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers Band (E9, D, A, G)
4. The Joker by Steve Miller Band (E9, G, C, D)
5. Thank You by Led Zeppelin (E9, D, A, G)
6. Lay Lady Lay by Bob Dylan (E9, A, B7)
7. The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix (E9, G, D, A, C)
8. Moondance by Van Morrison (E9, Am7, Bm7, D)
9. I Shot the Sheriff by Bob Marley & The Wailers (E9, G, D, A)
10. Ventura Highway by America (E9, A, G, D)