Bbmaj9 Guitar Chord

Bbmaj9 is the B flat major ninth chord. It has five notes: B flat, D, F, A and C. The shape on this page sits in the first two frets with the D string ringing open, and unlike most B flat chords it needs no barre at all.

Three fingers in the first two frets with the D string ringing open as the third. The fifth is left out, which no ear misses in a ninth chord.

How to play Bbmaj9, step by step

Index finger: 1st fret, A string
Middle finger: 1st fret, B string
Ring finger: 2nd fret, G string
Leave the D string open. Strum only the A and D and G and B strings, and stop the downstroke at the B.

This is a rare thing: a B flat chord in open position. The fifth is left out, which a ninth chord does not miss; root, third, seventh and ninth are all here.

More ways to play Bbmaj9

There are 2 common Bbmaj9 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.

Bbmaj9 guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 6, played 687768 — Barre at fret 6

If it sounds unclear

The open D string is muffled: The index on the A string is leaning on it. Stand the finger up and press with the tip so the D rings freely.
The strum spills onto the high E: That string is not in the chord. Stop the downstroke at the B string, or let the underside of the middle finger rest against the high E.
Notes near the nut buzz: The index and middle sit at the 1st fret, where the strings are stiffest. Press firmly and right behind the fret wire.

What makes it a Bbmaj9

B♭ · D · F · A · C 1 3 5 7 9

Bbmaj9 is a Bbmaj7 chord with a ninth added: B flat, D, F and A make the seventh chord, and the C on top makes it a ninth. The open shape here drops the fifth and keeps root, third, seventh and ninth, the four notes that are the chord.

It is the I chord of B flat major at its softest. B flat is a horn key, so the chord turns up in soul and jazz charts more than in campfire songbooks, but this grip is easier than most open chords.

Bbmaj9 vs Bbmaj7

Bbmaj9 is Bbmaj7 with a C added. The seventh already softens the chord; the ninth widens it into something that sounds deliberately arranged.

In this corner of the neck the ninth is also the easier chord: Bbmaj7 usually needs a barre at the 1st fret, while this Bbmaj9 is three fingers and an open string.

Bbmaj9 chord questions

Can I play Bbmaj9 without a barre?

Yes, and that is the shape shown here: three fingers in the first two frets with the D string open. It is one of the few B flat chords that needs no barre.

Is Bbmaj9 the same as A#maj9?

Yes, one chord with two names. B flat is how the keys this chord lives in spell it, so that is the name used here.

Why is there no fifth in the open shape?

The F is the one note a ninth chord can spare; the ear fills it in. The barre shape at the 6th fret has it if you want all five notes.

What is the difference between Bbmaj9 and Bb9?

Bb9 has an A flat, the flat seventh, and pulls toward E flat. Bbmaj9 has an A natural and stays put.

Where is Bbmaj9 used?

As the I chord of B flat major in jazz, soul and bossa nova, and anywhere Bbmaj7 is written and a wider sound is wanted.