Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 18 playable shapes
A♭9/B♭ is the A♭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♭9 dominant 9 chord enriches the dominant 7th by adding a major ninth B♭, enhancing its tension with a colorful, jazzy flair. This extended harmony adds sophistication, frequently used in jazz, blues, and funk for dynamic progressions. With B♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 4th inversion of A♭9.
Also written as A♭9 and A♭dom9/B♭.
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
x11112
664544
Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.
The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.
Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.
A♭9/B♭ uses the notes A♭, C, E♭, G♭, and B♭. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-♭7-9.
A♭9/B♭ is also written as A♭9 and A♭dom9/B♭.
Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position. Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string. Strum from the 5th string down.
Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.
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.
Learn chord construction step-by-step: intervals, triads, sevenths, and extensions. Build any chord from theory to fretboard.
Learn chord inversions on guitar to create smoother transitions, richer voicings, and more professional-sounding arrangements. Includes shapes and exercises.
Learn how to play 11th and 13th extended chords on guitar with practical voicings. Understand what makes these chords work and when to use them in jazz, soul, and pop contexts.
