How to play the A69 chord on guitar
Unlock the dreamy sound of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and The Beatles' "Blackbird."
The A69 chord
The A69 chord, pronounced "A sixth added ninth," is a colorful and versatile chord that adds a touch of sophistication to any musical composition. Notable for its rich, jazzy sound, the A69 chord is commonly used in genres such as jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. Its unique voicing, which includes both the sixth and ninth scale degrees, creates a lush and expressive harmony.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common A69 chord. We've also included other versions below.
Unlock your playing potential in online guitar lessons with experts on Til. Start today and achieve your guitar goals quickly. Find a top-rated teacher.
Finger placement for A69 chord
The A69 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 5th fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a A69 chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), 5th (A), and 6th (low E) strings, forming a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
To strum this chord, start with a downstroke, ensuring all strings ring out clearly. You can then follow up with alternating down and up strokes to create a rhythm pattern.
How to play an easy A69 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the A69 chord, try playing an A7 chord instead. The A7 is a dominant 7th chord that captures some of the essence of the A69 sound without the added complexity. Place your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the B string to play an A7.
How to play a A69 bar chord
I apologize, but I am not extremely confident that a popular barre chord version of the A69 chord exists on guitar. The A69 chord is an advanced jazz voicing that is not commonly played as a barre chord, especially by beginners. I believe providing instructions without being certain could cause confusion. It's best to consult reliable sources or a knowledgeable guitar instructor for guidance on playing this particular chord.
Common A69 chord progressions
The A69 chord, with its added sixth note, brings a sense of nostalgia and emotional depth to chord progressions. Here are some common A69 chord progressions:
- vi69 - IV - V - I (A69 - F - G - C) - Used in "She's Always a Woman" by Billy Joel
- I69 - vi - ii - V (A69 - F#m - Bm - E)
- vi69 - IV - I - V (A69 - F - C - G)
- I69 - IV - vi - V (A69 - D - F#m - E)
- vi69 - ii - V - I (A69 - Dm - G - C)
Drills to master the A69 chord
Mastering the A69 chord on guitar can be achieved through simple drills. One effective exercise is to strum the chord repeatedly, focusing on maintaining a consistent tempo and pressure. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you build muscle memory.
Another helpful drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between the A69 chord and other common chords like D, E, and G. Work on minimizing the time between chord changes while maintaining clarity. With regular practice, you'll develop the dexterity and precision needed to confidently play the A69 chord in various musical contexts.
Unlock your playing potential in online guitar lessons with experts on Til. Start today and achieve your guitar goals quickly. Find a top-rated teacher.
Marco M.
"This is as great as it gets! Lessons are extremely informative, fun, at a fantastic pace, and I cannot say enough about Caitlin...so knowledgeable!"
Songs that feature the A69 chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the A6/9 chord.
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Chords: A6/9, Asus4, Dsus4, Em7, Fsus2, G)
- Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (Chords: A6/9, Bm7, D, E, G)
- Peaceful Easy Feeling by Eagles (Chords: A6/9, Bm7, D6, E7, G)
- Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Chords: A6/9, C, D, Em, G)
- Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (Chords: A6/9, Asus2, D, Dsus2, Dsus4, Em7)
- The Scientist by Coldplay (Chords: A6/9, Bm7, C, D, Em7, G)
- Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town by Pearl Jam (Chords: A6/9, Bm7, D, Em7, G)
- 3 AM by Matchbox Twenty (Chords: A6/9, Bm7, D, Dsus2, Em7, G)
- Barely Breathing by Duncan Sheik (Chords: A6/9, Bm7, C, D, Em7, G)
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (Chords: A6/9, Bm7, C, D, Em7, G)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.