How to play the Ab7b9 chord on guitar

The Ab7b9 chord, pronounced "A-flat seven flat nine," is a sophisticated and jazzy variation of the Ab dominant seventh chord. Notable for its dissonant yet alluring sound, the Ab7b9 adds depth and tension to musical progressions. This chord is commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk genres, and can be heard in songs like Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" and Steely Dan's "Josie."

The most standard way to play the Ab7b9 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Ab7b9 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 4th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward stroke to play all six strings simultaneously.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ab7b9 chord, try playing an Ab7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th string, and your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string. Strum only those three strings.

Playing the Ab7b9 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your guitar playing.

Here's how to play an Ab7b9 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The Ab7b9 chord is often used as a passing chord or a substitute for the V7 chord, adding a jazzy and sophisticated feel to progressions. It can evoke a sense of tension, mystery, or even a bluesy vibe. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Ab7b9 chord:

• I - IV - Ab7b9 - I (Ab - Db - Ab7b9 - Ab)
• ii - V7 - Ab7b9 - I (Bbm7 - Eb7 - Ab7b9 - Ab)
• I - vi - ii - Ab7b9 (Ab - Fm - Bbm - Ab7b9)
• iii - VI - Ab7b9 - ii - V7 (Cm - F - Ab7b9 - Bbm - Eb7)
• I - Ab7b9 - IV - iv (Ab - Ab7b9 - Db - Dbm). Used in "Michelle" by The Beatles.

To master the Ab7b9 chord, start by playing each note individually, focusing on clean fretting and consistent tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the Ab7b9 and other chords you frequently use in your playing.

Another helpful drill is to arpeggiate the chord, playing each note in succession from lowest to highest, and then descending. This exercise helps develop finger independence and familiarity with the chord shape. As you progress, try varying the rhythm and tempo of your arpeggios to further challenge yourself.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Ab7b9 chord:

1. Misty by Erroll Garner (Ebm7, Fm7, Db9, Cm7, Bbm7, Ab7b9, Gb7#11, Fm7, Bb7, Ebm7)
2. Still Got The Blues by Gary Moore (Am, Bm, C, D, Em, Ab7b9)
3. Moanin' by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers (Bb7, Eb7, Ab7b9, Db7)
4. Stormy Weather by Harold Arlen (Fm7, Bb7, Eb7, Ab7b9, Db7, Cm7, F7, Bbm7)
5. Epistrophy by Thelonious Monk (Ab7b9, B7)
6. Hot House by Tadd Dameron (Ab7b9, B7, C#7, E7)
7. Night And Day by Cole Porter (Cm7, Bbm7, Ab7b9, Db9)
8. All Blues by Miles Davis (G7, C7, Ab7b9, D7)
9. A Night In Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie (Eb7, Ab7b9, Db7, Gb7)
10. Satin Doll by Duke Ellington (Cm7, Bbm7, Ab7b9, G7b9)