Easy Ways To Play The Bm9 Guitar Chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the B m9 chord, a beautiful and complex chord that belongs to the Minor Chords family. This chord is composed of the notes B, D, F#, A, and C#, and is built using the intervals 1, b3, 5, b7, and 9. These intervals correspond to the Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, and Major Ninth, respectively.
Understanding these intervals is crucial to mastering the B m9 chord and other similar chords. If you're not yet familiar with these terms, we recommend checking out our tutorial about fretboard intervals and our guide on how to denote chords based on the intervals that compose them.
The B m9 chord is a more advanced chord, often used in jazz and other sophisticated styles of music. If you're new to these types of chords, you might want to check out our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords before you dive into this lesson.
In this tutorial, we will provide you with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that clearly show the tones composing the B m9 chord. These visual aids will help you grasp the structure of the chord and make it easier for you to play it on your guitar. If you're interested in learning how to build chords by stacking intervals, our tutorial on guitar music theory can provide you with valuable insights.
Lastly, if you're curious about how the B m9 chord can fit into a broader chord progression, we recommend our tutorial on jazz chord progressions. Jazz music frequently uses m7 and 9 chord types, making it a great genre to explore if you're keen on mastering the B m9 chord.
Notes in the B m9 chord:
Chord Formula:
B Minor Ninth Guitar Chord Fingers Positions
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
Open
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What notes are included in the Bm9 chord?
The Bm9 chord is composed of five distinct notes: B (the root), D (the minor third), F# (the perfect fifth), A (the minor seventh), and C# (the major ninth). These intervals create the chord's characteristic rich and complex sound.
What do the 'm' and '9' signify in the Bm9 chord name?
In the Bm9 chord name, the 'm' indicates that the chord is minor, meaning it contains a minor third interval from the root. The '9' signifies the addition of a major ninth interval, which is an extension built upon the minor seventh chord structure.
How does the Bm9 chord differ from a standard B minor chord or a Bm7 chord?
A standard B minor chord contains only the root, minor third, and perfect fifth (B, D, F#). A Bm7 chord adds the minor seventh (A) to those notes. The Bm9 chord further expands upon the Bm7 by adding the major ninth (C#), making it a more harmonically dense and advanced chord.
When is the Bm9 chord typically used in music?
The Bm9 chord is considered an advanced chord, often employed in jazz and other sophisticated music styles. Its lush, complex quality makes it ideal for adding harmonic richness and color, particularly within jazz chord progressions that frequently feature m7 and 9 chord types.
Is the Bm9 chord difficult to play for guitarists?
Yes, the Bm9 chord is generally considered more advanced. Its five-note composition often requires specific fingerings and stretches to articulate all notes clearly on the guitar, making it more challenging than basic minor or seventh chords. It usually requires some familiarity with intermediate chord shapes.