Explore Bmaj9 Guitar Chord Fretboard Positions & Playbacks
Spelled B, D#, F#, A# and C#, the B major ninth chord (Bmaj9) combines root B, major third D#, fifth F#, major seventh A# and ninth C#. The top four notes, D#, F#, A# and C#, spell a D# minor seventh chord, so maj9 is a major triad over a minor seventh built on its third.
Over this chord, the B major scale is a safe source of notes, as it includes every one of its tones. You get three voicings to choose from, two of them barre shapes. For related sounds, read about ninth chord shapes.
With labels switched on in the fretboard player above, you can read each note name under your fingers.
B major 9th guitar chord is also written as Bmaj9, BM9, BΔ9 or Bma9.
B maj9 chord Notes:
How to create the Major Ninth chord:
Formula: 1 3 5 7 9
B Maj9 Chord Interactive Fretboard
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B Maj9 Guitar Chord Diagrams
Position 1 Movable
Finger Positions
- Mute the low E string
- Mute the high E string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 1 of the D string
- Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 2 of the A string
- Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 2 of the B string
- Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 3 of the G string
Position 2 Barre Movable
Finger Positions
- Mute the B string
- Mute the high E string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 6 of the A and G strings at the same time
- Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 7 of the low E string
- Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 8 of the D string
Position 3 Barre Movable
Finger Positions
- Mute the low E string
- Mute the A string
- Place your index finger (1) on the fret 6 of the G and high E strings at the same time
- Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 7 of the B string
- Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 9 of the D string
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Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What notes are in Bmaj9?
B, D#, F#, A# and C#. These are the root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh and ninth.
How many ways are there to play Bmaj9 on guitar?
Three voicings, two using a barre and none using open strings. They run from fret 1 up to fret 9.
Why does B major ninth contain A# and not Bb?
The seventh letter over B is A, and a major seventh is one semitone short of the octave, so it is A#. Bb would be a minor seventh and would change the sound of the chord.
Which scale matches Bmaj9?
The B major scale: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G# and A#. All five notes of the chord belong to it.
