A Minor Major Ninth (Am(maj9)) chords on guitar
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the A m(maj9) chord. This chord is a fascinating addition to your repertoire, belonging to the family of Minor Chords. It is composed of the notes A, C, E, G#, and B, and is built using the intervals of 1, b3, 5, 7, and 9. These intervals are also known as the Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Seventh, and Major Ninth, respectively.
If you're new to the concept of intervals and how they are used to construct chords, we recommend checking out our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals. This will give you a solid foundation in understanding how chords like the A m(maj9) are formed.
The A m(maj9) chord, with its combination of minor and major intervals, offers a unique sound that can add depth and complexity to your music. Despite its complexity, learning to play this chord is a rewarding challenge, particularly for those looking to advance beyond beginner-level chords. For those interested in exploring other advanced chords, our intermediate guitar chord tutorial is a great resource.
Our tutorial will provide you with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns, showing you exactly where to place your fingers to play the A m(maj9) chord. We also delve into the theory behind the chord, explaining the role each interval plays in creating the chord's distinctive sound. For a deeper understanding of intervals and how they are represented on the fretboard, you may find our tutorial on fretboard intervals useful.
Whether you're a jazz musician looking to spice up your progressions, or a songwriter seeking a distinctive chord to enhance your compositions, the A m(maj9) chord is a powerful tool to have at your disposal. So let's dive in and start exploring this beautiful chord!
Notes that compose the A m(maj9) chord:
Chord Formula:
Guitar Patterns for the A Minor Major Ninth chord
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What notes are included in the A m(maj9) chord?
The A m(maj9) chord is composed of five distinct notes: A, C, E, G#, and B. These correspond to the root, minor third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth intervals, respectively, built from the root A.
Why is it called an 'A minor major nine' chord (A m(maj9))?
The 'm(maj9)' in the chord name signifies its unique interval structure. It's a minor chord because of the minor third (C) above the root (A), but it includes a *major* seventh (G#) instead of a minor seventh. The '9' indicates the addition of a major ninth (B) to this structure.
What specific intervals make up the A m(maj9) chord?
The A m(maj9) chord is built using the following intervals relative to its root (A): a Root (1), a Minor Third (b3), a Perfect Fifth (5), a Major Seventh (7), and a Major Ninth (9).
What kind of sound does the A m(maj9) chord produce?
The A m(maj9) chord has a unique and complex sound, often described as sophisticated or melancholic yet intriguing. This distinct quality comes from the juxtaposition of the minor third and the bright, leading sound of the major seventh, combined with the added tension of the ninth.
How does the A m(maj9) chord differ from a standard A minor ninth (Am9) chord?
The key difference between an A m(maj9) and a standard A minor ninth (Am9) chord lies in the seventh interval. The A m(maj9) uses a *major* seventh (G#), while an Am9 chord would use a *minor* seventh (G natural). Both chords share the root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major ninth.
When should I use the A m(maj9) chord in my guitar playing?
The A m(maj9) chord is excellent for adding depth and complexity to your music. It's frequently used in jazz for its sophisticated harmonic qualities and is a powerful tool for songwriters looking to create unique moods, spice up progressions, or introduce a distinctive sound beyond basic minor chords.