Bb9 Guitar Chord

Bb9 is the B flat dominant ninth chord. It has five notes: B flat, D, F, A flat and C. The main shape puts the root on the low E string at the 6th fret, with the A string muted under the index.

6fr124B♭×A♭DFC

The movable E9 shape at the 6th fret, root on the low E string. The A string stays dead under the index finger. Slide the whole grip and it becomes whatever chord the low E is naming.

How to play Bb9, step by step

  1. Index finger: press flat across the low E to B strings at fret 6
  2. Middle finger: 7th fret, G string
  3. Pinky finger: 8th fret, high E string
  4. Strum from the low E down. The A string stays muted; let the nearest fretting finger touch it lightly.

This grip is the E9 shape, and it is completely movable. At the 3rd fret it is G9, at the 8th it is C9, and the hand never changes.

More ways to play Bb9

There are 2 common Bb9 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Easier, no barre
Bb9 guitar chord diagram, easier, no barre, played x 13 12 13 13 x

Tight and percussive, sitting in the middle of the neck. Easy to choke with the palm and hit again, which is why funk rhythm lives on this grip.

If the shape is not clean

The muted A string rings
Flatten the index slightly so its underside rests on the A string. It should be silenced, not fretted.
Notes under the index drop out
The index has to hold the low E and D strings at the 6th fret. Roll it onto its side so the harder edge of the finger does the work.
The ninth on top is weak
The pinky takes the high E at the 8th fret. It is the note the chord is named after, so check it separately.

What makes it a Bb9

B♭ · D · F · A♭ · C 1 3 5 ♭7 9

Bb9 is a Bb7 chord with a ninth added: B flat, D, F and A flat make the seventh chord, and the C on top makes it a ninth.

It is the V chord of E flat and the I chord of a blues in B flat. B flat is a horn key, so this is a chord guitarists meet in jump blues, soul and big band material, where ninths rather than sevenths are the normal dominant sound.

Bb9 vs Bb7

Bb9 is Bb7 with a C added. Both resolve toward E flat, but the ninth gives the chord a smoother, more arranged surface.

Both are barre style shapes in this key, so there is no easy option to fall back on. Since the effort is the same, the ninth is usually the better choice in the styles where B flat turns up.

Bb9 chord questions

Is Bb9 the same as A#9?

Yes, one chord with two spellings. B flat is the name used in the keys this chord appears in, so it is the one here.

Why is the A string muted?

The grip has no room for it. The index deadens the A string while barring the low E and D, which is standard for this shape.

Is there an easier Bb9?

The four string shape further down the page has no barre. It sits higher up the neck, at the 12th and 13th frets, which some players find easier and others find cramped.

Is Bb9 the same as Bb7?

No. Bb9 adds a C, the ninth, on top of Bb7. Same job in a progression, noticeably different sound.

Where is Bb9 used?

As the V chord in E flat, as the I chord of a blues in B flat, and in soul, funk and swing arrangements.

Chords to learn next

Other Bb chords