Accessible Page: Guitar chord B7(b9) - diagrams and theory

This page provides an accessible, text-only version of the B 7(b9) guitar chord, designed for use with screen-reader software.

• For additional chords, visit our complete list of chord diagrams in textual form.
• If you'd prefer the visual version with graphic diagrams and color highlights, please visit the B 7(b9) chord diagrams page.

Chord Shapes

There are 6 positions for this chord:

Position 1

Fingers Positions

• Mute the low E string
• Mute the high E string
• Place your index finger (1) on the fret 1 of the D and B strings at the same time
• Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 2 of the A string
• Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 2 of the G string

Position Characteristics

• This position requires barre
• This position is movable

Position 2

Fingers Positions

• Mute the B string
• Mute the high E string
• Place your index finger (1) on the fret 5 of the G string
• Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 6 of the A string
• Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 7 of the low E string
• Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 7 of the D string

Position Characteristics

• This position is movable

Position 3

Fingers Positions

• Mute the A string
• Place your index finger (1) on the fret 7 of the low E, D and B strings at the same time
• Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 8 of the G string
• Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 7 of the high E string

Position Characteristics

• This position requires barre
• This position is movable

Position 4

Fingers Positions

• Mute the low E string
• Place your index finger (1) on the fret 1 of the D and B strings at the same time
• Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 2 of the A string
• Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 2 of the G string
• Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 2 of the high E string

Position Characteristics

• This position requires barre
• This position is movable

Position 5

Fingers Positions

• Mute the A string
• Mute the B string
• Place your index finger (1) on the fret 7 of the low E string
• Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 7 of the D string
• Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 8 of the G string
• Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 8 of the high E string

Position Characteristics

• This position is movable

Position 6

Fingers Positions

• Mute the low E string
• Mute the high E string
• Place your index finger (1) on the fret 5 of the G string
• Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 6 of the A string
• Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 7 of the D string
• Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 7 of the B string

Position Characteristics

• This position is movable

B 7(b9) Description

Today, we are going to dive into the world of Dominant Chords and specifically, the B 7(b9) chord. This chord is constructed by the notes B, D#, F#, A, and C, creating a unique and rich sound.

The B 7(b9) chord is built with the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and b9. If you're not familiar with these intervals, they correspond to the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, and Minor Ninth. For a comprehensive understanding of these intervals, you can check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals.

Understanding how to build chords by stacking intervals is a crucial part of mastering the guitar. To learn more about this process, our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals is a great place to start.

As a chord from the Dominant family, the B 7(b9) is often used in jazz chord progressions, among other genres. To see this chord in action, you may want to explore our tutorial about jazz chord progressions.

Our lesson today will guide you on how to play the B 7(b9) chord, providing chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that highlight the tones composing the chord. If you're interested in learning more about chord notation based on the intervals that compose it, our tutorial on how to denote chords will be a valuable resource.

So, let's get started on mastering the B 7(b9) chord, a true gem in the world of dominant (7) guitar chords.

Back to the complete list of chord diagrams in textual form.

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