Ab9(#5) Guitar Chord Chart and Fingering
Welcome to our tutorial on the Ab 9(#5) chord. This complex chord belongs to the Augmented Chords family and is composed of the notes Ab, C, E, Gb, and Bb. The intervals that build this chord are 1, 3, #5, b7, and 9, making it a rich and interesting chord to learn and incorporate into your playing.
The Ab 9(#5) chord is built by stacking specific intervals on top of each other. This process is crucial in understanding how this chord, and indeed all chords, are constructed. The complete names of the music intervals that make up this chord are: Root, Major Third, Augmented Fifth, Minor Seventh, and Major Ninth.
This tutorial will guide you through how to play the Ab 9(#5) chord, with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing the chord. If you're unfamiliar with how to read these diagrams and patterns, you may want to check out our tutorial on chord notation first.
As a more advanced chord, the Ab 9(#5) is often found in more complex genres like jazz. If you're interested in exploring more chords like this one, our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords and tutorial on jazz chord progressions may be of interest.
Finally, if you're unsure about the name of a chord shape you've found on your fretboard, our interactive chord namer tool can help. Simply input the shape, and the tool will tell you the name of the chord. Happy playing!
Ab 9(#5) chord Notes:
Formula of the Dominant Ninth Sharp Fifth chord:
Guitar Patterns for the Ab Dominant Ninth Sharp Fifth chord
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What defines the Ab 9(#5) as an 'Augmented Chord'?
The Ab 9(#5) is part of the Augmented Chords family because it contains an Augmented Fifth (#5) interval. This specific interval is a key characteristic that classifies it as an augmented chord, among other extensions like the 9th and b7.
What do the numbers and symbols, like '9' and '#5', mean in the Ab 9(#5) chord name?
In the Ab 9(#5) chord name, the numbers and symbols denote specific intervals added to the root. '9' indicates the presence of a Major Ninth interval, while '#5' signifies an Augmented Fifth interval, which is crucial to the chord's augmented quality. The 'b7' (Minor Seventh) is also implied in a 9th chord.
How are the specific notes Ab, C, E, Gb, and Bb derived for the Ab 9(#5) chord?
The notes Ab, C, E, Gb, and Bb are determined by stacking specific musical intervals on top of the root note, Ab. These intervals correspond to the Root (Ab), Major Third (C), Augmented Fifth (E), Minor Seventh (Gb), and Major Ninth (Bb).
When is it appropriate to use a complex chord like the Ab 9(#5) in guitar playing?
The Ab 9(#5) is considered an advanced chord that introduces a rich and interesting harmonic color. It is often found in more complex musical genres, particularly jazz, where its unique intervals contribute to sophisticated chord progressions and improvisational contexts.