Gmaj9 Chord on Guitar: How To Play the G Major Ninth chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the G maj9 chord. This chord is part of the Major Chords family and is composed of the notes G, B, D, F#, and A. It is built using a series of intervals, specifically 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. These intervals correspond to the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Seventh, and Major Ninth respectively.
Understanding the construction of this chord requires a good grasp of fretboard intervals and how to denote chords depending on the intervals that compose it. These foundational concepts will provide you with the necessary knowledge to not only understand the G maj9 chord, but also other complex chords.
The G maj9 chord is a beautiful, rich sounding chord often used in various genres of music, but it's particularly common in jazz. If you're interested in exploring more about chord progressions that often use major 9th chords, check out our tutorial about jazz chord progressions.
In this tutorial, we will provide chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones composing the G maj9 chord. If you're new to this, our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals can be a great starting point.
Finally, if you find a chord shape on the fretboard and you're unsure of its name, our interactive tool to analyze chord shapes can be very useful. Stay tuned for more lessons on guitar chords of all types and more advanced topics like chord inversion.
Let's dive into the world of the G maj9 chord and discover its beauty!
Notes that compose the G maj9 chord:
Chord Formula:
How To Play The G Major Ninth chord on guitar
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Position 1
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Position 2
Barre
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Position 3
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What specific notes make up the G maj9 chord?
The G maj9 chord is composed of five distinct notes: G, B, D, F#, and A. These correspond to the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Seventh, and Major Ninth intervals respectively.
What do the 'maj' and '9' signify in the G maj9 chord name?
In 'G maj9', 'G' is the root note. The 'maj' signifies that the chord contains a Major Seventh interval (F# relative to G), distinguishing it from a dominant 7th. The '9' indicates the inclusion of a Major Ninth interval (A relative to G) above the root.
What is the characteristic sound of a G maj9 chord and where is it typically used?
The G maj9 chord produces a beautiful, rich, and often lush sound. While it can be found in various music genres, it is particularly common and highly valued in jazz music for its sophisticated harmonic quality.
How does the G maj9 chord relate to the broader Major Chords family?
The G maj9 chord belongs to the Major Chords family because its core structure includes a Major Third (B) and a Major Seventh (F#) relative to the root (G). The addition of the Major Ninth (A) extends this major quality, enhancing its richness without altering its fundamental major character.
What are the essential intervals that define the G maj9 chord?
The G maj9 chord is defined by a specific series of intervals from its root (G): the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Seventh (7), and Major Ninth (9). These intervals are crucial for understanding its construction and sound.