Bb9 guitar chord

The Bb9 chord (Bb dominant 9th) is built from the notes Bb, D, F, Ab and C, formula 1–3–5–b7–9.

Notes
Bb D F Ab C
Type
dominant 9th
Level
Barre chord
OpenShape 1 of 3
×1234BbDAbCF
x10111

How to play Bb9

The easiest Bb9 shape is x10111, starting around fret 1. Mute any strings marked x so only chord tones sound.

Funky and full. Dominant 9ths are everywhere in funk, blues and soul.

Other ways to play it

Questions

What notes are in the Bb9 chord?

Bb9 contains Bb, D, F, Ab and C. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7–9.

Is Bb9 hard to play on guitar?

It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is x10111.

What can I play instead of Bb9?

Bb7 is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when Bb9 is too hard or too busy.