A9(#5) Guitar Chord | How to Play The A Dominant Ninth Sharp Fifth Chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the A 9(#5) chord. This complex chord belongs to the Augmented Chords family, and is composed of the notes A, C#, E#, G, and B. The intervals that build this chord are 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), #5 (Augmented Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), and 9 (Major Ninth).
The A 9(#5) chord is a great example of how chords are built by stacking intervals. If you're not familiar with this concept, we highly recommend our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals.
Understanding the intervals that compose a chord is crucial to mastering the guitar. If you need a refresher, check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals. This will help you understand how the A 9(#5) chord is constructed and how to play it on the fretboard.
This chord is not a beginner's chord, it requires a good understanding of intermediate guitar chords. But don't worry, with practice and understanding, you'll be able to incorporate the A 9(#5) chord into your playing in no time.
Particularly popular in jazz, the A 9(#5) chord can add a sophisticated touch to your chord progressions. If you're interested in jazz, you might want to explore our tutorial about jazz chord progression.
Finally, if you're trying to figure out a chord from a chord shape, our interactive tool to analyze chord shapes shown on the fretboard can be a great help. It's a great way to confirm if you're playing the A 9(#5) chord correctly.
So grab your guitar and let's dive into the world of the A 9(#5) chord!
Notes that compose the A 9(#5) chord:
Chord structure of the Dominant Ninth Sharp Fifth chord:
A9(#5) Guitar Chord Voicings
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Barre
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
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FAQ
What notes make up the A 9(#5) chord?
The A 9(#5) chord is composed of five distinct notes: A, C#, E#, G, and B. These notes are derived from the specific intervals that define this chord.
What are the specific intervals that define the A 9(#5) chord?
The A 9(#5) chord is built upon a specific stack of intervals: the 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), #5 (Augmented Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), and 9 (Major Ninth). Understanding these intervals helps you grasp the chord's unique sound and construction.
How does the A 9(#5) chord fit into the 'Augmented Chords family'?
The A 9(#5) chord is part of the Augmented Chords family because it contains an Augmented Fifth (#5) interval. This specific interval, in this case E#, is what gives the chord its 'augmented' quality, providing a distinct, tension-filled sound.
Why is the A 9(#5) chord considered complex and not for beginner guitarists?
This chord is considered complex because it involves five notes and incorporates an altered interval (the augmented fifth), requiring a deeper understanding of music theory and fretboard knowledge than basic chords. Its sophisticated sound is typically found in more advanced harmonic contexts, particularly in genres like jazz.
When is the A 9(#5) chord typically used in music?
The A 9(#5) chord is particularly popular in jazz music. It's used to add a sophisticated touch and harmonic color to chord progressions, often creating tension that resolves to another chord. Its unique sound makes it an excellent choice for expanding your harmonic vocabulary.