G9 Guitar Chord

G9 is the G dominant ninth chord. It has five notes: G, B, D, F and A. The main shape puts the root on the low E string at the 3rd fret, with the A string muted under the index finger.

The movable E9 shape at the 3rd 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 G9, step by step

Index finger: press flat across the low E to B strings at fret 3
Middle finger: 4th fret, G string
Pinky finger: 5th fret, high E string
Strum from the low E down. The A string stays muted; let the nearest fretting finger touch it lightly.

The muted A string is part of the shape, not a mistake. Let the underside of the index finger rest against it so it stays dead while the strings around it ring.

More ways to play G9

There are 2 common G9 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.

G9 guitar chord diagram, easier, no barre, played x 10 9 10 10 x — Easier, no barre

If the A string sounds

The muted string is ringing: Lay the index a little flatter so its underside touches the A string. It should be deadened, not pressed.
The barre lets notes drop: Roll the index onto its outer edge so the bone holds the low E and D strings at the 3rd fret, and keep it right behind the fret wire.
The top note is weak: The pinky takes the ninth on the high E at the 5th fret. That note gives the chord its name, so check it rings on its own.

What makes it a G9

G · B · D · F · A 1 3 5 ♭7 9

G9 is a G7 chord with a ninth added: G, B, D and F make G7, and the A on top makes it G9. The muted A string keeps the shape playable without changing what the chord is.

It is the V chord of C and the I chord of a blues in G. Ninths hold all the tension of a dominant seventh and dress it up, which is why blues, funk and soul players reach for them constantly.

G9 vs G7

G9 is G7 with an A added. Both pull toward C, but G7 is the plain, folky sound and G9 is the arranged, brass section sound.

G7 is also much easier: an open shape with three fingers, against a barre with a muted string for G9. The ninth is worth learning anyway, because it is the chord that makes a blues in G sound professional.

G9 chord questions

What is the difference between G9 and Gadd9?

G9 contains an F, the flat seventh, so it is a dominant chord that wants to resolve. Gadd9 has no seventh: it is G major with an A added, and it sounds bright and stable.

Why is the A string muted?

The shape has no room for it. The index deadens the A string while barring the low E and D, which is standard practice for this grip and lets the rest of the chord sit where the hand can reach.

Is there an easier G9?

Yes. The shape further down the page puts the root on the A string at the 10th fret and needs no barre. It is higher up the neck but easier to hold.

Where is G9 used?

As the V chord in C, as the I chord of a blues in G, and throughout funk and soul rhythm guitar.

Is G9 the same as G7?

No. G9 adds the ninth, A, on top of G7. They do the same job and sound quite different doing it.