Ab7(b9) Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively

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Ab 7(b9) position 1 guitar chord diagram

The Ab7(b9) chord belongs to the Dominant Chords family, a complex and rich sound. It's built from five notes: Ab, C, Eb, Gb, and Bbb — corresponding to the intervals Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Minor Ninth (b9). Use the interactive fretboard tool at the top of this page to visualize every fingering, listen to the chord played as a strum or arpeggio, and check your own playing with the real-time microphone feedback — the tool will tell you if you're nailing it.

This complex chord, with its distinctive b9 interval, adds a rich, jazzy tension often used to create a strong pull to the tonic. Understanding its construction means grasping the theory of extended chords. Explore more about the Dominant Chord family and its role in music, or delve deeper into Ninth Chords to see how extensions are built. For a complete understanding of how chords are formed, our Chord Construction guide is invaluable. Once you're comfortable with the fingering, focus on smooth transitions to other chords with tips from our Improve Chords Change guide.

Scroll down to explore Ab7(b9) chord diagrams, ranked from beginner-friendly open positions to more advanced movable shapes. You'll also find comprehensive music theory insights, popular songs featuring this chord, and the keys where it commonly appears. Before you dive into the diagrams, make sure to spend some time with the interactive tool above. Set a comfortable tempo with the drum tool, strum the chord, and let the mic feedback confirm your finger placement. This hands-on practice is the fastest way to solidify your understanding and get this powerful chord under your fingers.

Notes in the Ab 7(b9) chord:

Ab C Eb Gb Bbb

Formula of the Dominant Seventh Flat Nine Added chord:

#11

Ab Dominant Seventh Flat Nine Added Guitar Chord Shapes

Position 1
Movable

Position 2
Barre Movable

Ab 7(b9) position 3 guitar chord diagram

Position 3
Barre Movable

Ab 7(b9) position 2 guitar chord diagram

Find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you prefer a printable pdf, download the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf

You can also use this accessible Ab7(b9) chord page, with written diagram instructions and screen-reader support for blind users.

Play This Chord With Other Roots

C 7(b9) | D 7(b9) | E 7(b9) | F 7(b9) | G 7(b9) | A 7(b9) | B 7(b9) | C#7(b9) | D#7(b9) | F#7(b9) | G#7(b9) | A#7(b9) | Ab7(b9) | Bb7(b9) | Db7(b9) | Eb7(b9) | Gb7(b9)

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FAQ

What are the specific notes that make up an Ab 7(b9) chord?

The Ab 7(b9) chord is composed of five notes: Ab, C, Eb, Gb, and Bbb. These notes create its distinctive sound and are derived from its specific intervallic structure.

How is the Ab 7(b9) chord constructed using intervals?

The Ab 7(b9) chord is built from its root (Ab) using the following intervals: the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Minor Ninth (b9). These intervals define the chord's unique harmonic character.

Why is the Ab 7(b9) chord categorized as a 'dominant' chord?

The Ab 7(b9) chord belongs to the dominant chord family because it contains a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh (Ab, C, Eb, Gb), along with an added minor ninth (Bbb). Dominant chords are known for their distinctive, unresolved sound, which creates harmonic tension in music.

What does the '(b9)' signify in the Ab 7(b9) chord name?

The '(b9)' in Ab 7(b9) indicates that the chord includes a Minor Ninth interval. This means the ninth degree of the scale is lowered by a half step. For an Ab 7(b9) chord, this note is Bbb (double flat B).

Why is the fifth note of the Ab 7(b9) chord written as Bbb instead of A?

The note is written as Bbb to maintain theoretical consistency within the interval structure of the chord. As a minor ninth above Ab, it is theoretically Bbb, even though A is its enharmonic equivalent. This accurate naming reflects its intervallic relationship within the chord.

In what musical genres is the Ab 7(b9) chord commonly used?

The Ab 7(b9) chord, as a dominant chord, is widely used across various music genres. It is particularly prevalent in blues and jazz, where its complex and unresolved sound adds depth and color to harmonic progressions.