Chord chart for A major 9 / E (2nd inversion) Guitar Chord: Notes, Shapes & Bass Note | Guitar Wiz

Amaj9/E guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 62 playable shapes

Post WhatsApp Facebook Reddit
A major 9 / E (2nd inversion) guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions

About the chord

A major 9 / E (2nd inversion)

Amaj9/E is the A major 9 / E (2nd inversion) guitar chord with E 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 E in the bass, this voicing functions as the 2nd inversion of A major 9.

Also written as Amaj9 and AM9/E.

Root note: A
Bass note: E
Chord tones: 5
Playable shapes: 62

Chord tones

AC♯EG♯B

Common guitar voicings

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

Shape 022224

022224

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

Shape 002424

002424

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string.
  5. 5 Let the sixth and fifth strings ring open.
  6. 6 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.

Shape details

Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.

Amaj9/E shape 022224

How to play this shape

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

Amaj9/E shape 002424

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string
  5. 5 Let the sixth and fifth strings ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj9/E shape 042204

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string
  5. 5 Let the sixth and second strings ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj9/E shape 006604

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string
  2. 2 Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string
  3. 3 Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  4. 4 Let the sixth, fifth, and second strings ring open
  5. 5 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj9/E shape 046405

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string
  5. 5 Let the sixth and second strings ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj9/E shape 046605

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  5. 5 Let the sixth and second strings ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj9/E shape 006605

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  4. 4 Let the sixth, fifth, and second strings ring open
  5. 5 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj9/E shape 046455

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string and 5th string in barre position
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string
  5. 5 Let the sixth string ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Quick answers

What notes are in Amaj9/E?

Amaj9/E uses the notes A, C♯, E, G♯, and B. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-7-9.

What is another name for Amaj9/E?

Amaj9/E is also written as Amaj9 and AM9/E.

How do you play Amaj9/E on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position. Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string. Let the sixth string ring open. Strum from the 6th string down.

Related Articles

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.