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Chord chart for EM9 Guitar Chord (E major 9): Notes, Shapes & How to Play | Guitar Wiz

E major 9 guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 95 playable shapes

E major 9 guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions
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About the chord

E major 9 guitar chord

EM9 is the E major 9 guitar chord. It uses the notes E, G♯, B, D♯, and F♯ and the interval formula 1-3-5-7-9.

The E major 9 major 9 chord adds a major ninth F♯ 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.

Also written as Emaj9.

Root note: E
Quality: major 9
Chord tones: 5
Playable shapes: 95

Chord tones

EG♯BD♯F♯

Common guitar voicings

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

Shape 1

064444

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

Shape 2

064454

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 4th fret of the 1st string, 3rd string, and 4th 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 6th fret of the 5th string.
  4. 4 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.

E Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

G♯ Major Third 3

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

B Perfect Fifth 5

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

D♯ Major Seventh 7

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

F♯ Major Ninth 9

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

Quick answers

What notes are in EM9?

EM9 uses the notes E, G♯, B, D♯, and F♯. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-7-9.

What is another name for EM9?

EM9 is also written as Emaj9.

How do you play EM9 on guitar?

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

Related Articles

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