Em(maj9) Guitar Chords Explained | E Minor Major Ninth
Welcome to our tutorial on the E m(maj9) chord. This chord, belonging to the Minor Chords family, is composed of the notes E, G, B, D#, and F#. The intervals that build this chord are 1, b3, 5, 7, and 9. In other words, it's composed of a Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Seventh, and Major Ninth.
Understanding the intervals that make up a chord is crucial to mastering the fretboard. If you need a refresher on this, our tutorial about fretboard intervals can help you out. Similarly, if you're unsure about how these intervals translate into chord notation, our tutorial on chord notation can provide some clarity.
The E m(maj9) chord is not a beginner's chord. It's a more complex structure that requires a solid understanding of how chords are built by stacking intervals. If you're ready to take on this challenge, you're already on your way to becoming an intermediate player.
As a member of the ninth (9) guitar chords family, the E m(maj9) chord is often used in jazz progressions. If you're interested in exploring more about this, our tutorial about jazz chord progressions can be a great resource.
Lastly, if you're struggling to name a chord shape on the fretboard, our interactive tool to analyze chord shapes can be a handy assistant. Enjoy learning the E m(maj9) chord!
E m(maj9) chord Notes:
EGBD#F#
Formula of the Minor Major Ninth chord:
Fingerings for the E Minor Major Ninth guitar chord
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
BarreOpen
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
Play This Chord With Other Roots
C m(maj9) | D m(maj9) | E m(maj9) | F m(maj9) | G m(maj9) | A m(maj9) | B m(maj9) | C#m(maj9) | D#m(maj9) | F#m(maj9) | G#m(maj9) | A#m(maj9) | Abm(maj9) | Bbm(maj9) | Dbm(maj9) | Ebm(maj9) | Gbm(maj9)
Fretboard map of E m(maj9) chord tones
You can create any fingering you like on any part of the fretboard, just play some of the chord tones shown in the map below. Some shapes will sound good, some less, let your ears decide!