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Chord & Fret

B7(#9) — dominant sharp ninth

Notes in B7(#9): B – D# – F# – A – C##Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – #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 7(#9) layers the major third over the augmented ninth (the enharmonic of the minor third), creating an aggressive tension — the famous "Hendrix chord".

The same chord on all four instruments

B7(#9), 7 6 0 4 0 5B7(#9)44312BD#DBBA
Guitar
B7(#9), 7 6 0 4 0 5B7(#9)44312BD#DBBA
Electric guitar
B7(#9), 1 2 0 0B7(#9)12D#ABD
Cavaquinho
B7(#9), 4 3 5 5B7(#9)2134BD#AD
Ukulele

Where to use it: Blues, rock and soul with an intense sound.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of B7(#9). In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Altered dominants family.

Other chords in this family

B7(b9)B7(#11)B7(b13)B7alt

See all chord types and qualities →