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How to Read Guitar Chord Diagrams
Learn how to read guitar chord diagrams quickly. Understand dots, numbers, Xs, Os, and finger positions so you can play any chord chart at sight.
A♭min(add9)/B♭ guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 40 playable shapes
About the chord
A♭ minor add 9 / B♭ (3rd inversion)
The A♭ minor add 9 minor add 9 chord adds a ninth B♭ to the minor triad, creating a lush, emotional sound. The combination of the minor third C♭ and ninth B♭ gives it a hauntingly beautiful, introspective quality, perfect for ballads and cinematic music. With B♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 3rd inversion of A♭ minor add 9.
Root note: A♭
Bass note: B♭
Chord tones: 4
Playable shapes: 40
Chord tones
A♭C♭E♭B♭
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♭ Minor Third ♭3
This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.
E♭ Perfect Fifth 5
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
B♭ Major Ninth 9
The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.
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