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Chord chart for A♭ major 9 / B♭ (4th inversion) Guitar Chord: Notes, Shapes & Bass Note | Guitar Wiz

A♭maj9/B♭ guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 35 playable shapes

A♭ major 9 / B♭ (4th inversion) guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions
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About the chord

A♭ major 9 / B♭ (4th inversion)

A♭maj9/B♭ is the A♭ major 9 / B♭ (4th inversion) guitar chord with B♭ in the bass. It uses the notes A♭, C, E♭, G, and B♭ and the interval formula 1-3-5-7-9.

The A♭ major 9 major 9 chord adds a major ninth B♭ to the major 7th, creating an expansive, ethereal sound. Its rich harmonic structure enhances the major tonality with a modern, sophisticated vibe, ideal for jazz, ambient, and cinematic music. With B♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 4th inversion of A♭ major 9.

Also written as A♭maj9 and A♭M9/B♭.

Root note: A♭
Bass note: B♭
Chord tones: 5
Playable shapes: 35

Chord tones

A♭CE♭GB♭

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position.
  2. 2 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string.
  3. 3 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 2

665544

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string and 2nd string in barre position.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string and 4th string in barre position.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 6th string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 5th string.
  5. 5 Strum from the 6th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

A♭ Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

C Major Third 3

This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.

E♭ Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

G Major Seventh 7

The major seventh adds a smooth, lush tension close to the root.

B♭ Major Ninth 9

The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.

Quick answers

What notes are in A♭maj9/B♭?

A♭maj9/B♭ uses the notes A♭, C, E♭, G, and B♭. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-7-9.

What is another name for A♭maj9/B♭?

A♭maj9/B♭ is also written as A♭maj9 and A♭M9/B♭.

How do you play A♭maj9/B♭ on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position. Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string. Strum from the 5th string down.

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