Skip to content
Chord & Fret

Amaj9 — major ninth

Notes in Amaj9: A – C# – E – G# – BFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The maj9 is the maj7 with the ninth added. It widens the triad without losing its restful character, with a romantic sheen.

The same chord on all four instruments

Amaj9, 5 0 6 6 0 0Amaj95123AAG#C#BE
Guitar
Amaj9, 5 0 6 6 0 0Amaj95123AAG#C#BE
Electric guitar
Amaj9, 7 6 0 6Amaj96312AC#BG#
Cavaquinho
Amaj9, 4 1 4 0Amaj9213BC#G#A
Ukulele

Where to use it: Ballads, bossa nova and neo-soul love this chord to open or close a song. It is the natural pick when a plain maj7 feels too plain — the ninth adds an extra glow without disturbing the rest.

This is just one shape of Amaj9. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Extended family.

Other chords in this family

A9Am9Am11A13Amaj9(#11)A11Amaj11Amaj13Am13Am(maj9)

See all chord types and qualities →