How to play

How to play the Ab7b9 chord on guitar

Spice up your playing with this jazzy chord, as heard in "Michelle" by The Beatles.

The Ab7b9 chord

The Ab7b9 chord, pronounced "A-flat seven flat nine," is a sophisticated and jazzy variation of the Ab dominant seventh chord. Notable for its dissonant yet alluring sound, the Ab7b9 adds depth and tension to musical progressions. This chord is commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk genres, and can be heard in songs like Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" and Steely Dan's "Josie."

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Ab7b9 chord. We've also included other versions below.

Ab7b9 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for Ab7b9 chord

The most standard way to play the Ab7b9 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Ab7b9 chord on your guitar:

  1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 4th fret.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward stroke to play all six strings simultaneously.

Ab7b9 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Ab7b9 chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ab7b9 chord, try playing an Ab7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th string, and your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string. Strum only those three strings.

How to play a Ab7b9 bar chord

Playing the Ab7b9 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your guitar playing.

Here's how to play an Ab7b9 barre chord:

  1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

Common Ab7b9 chord progressions

The Ab7b9 chord is often used as a passing chord or a substitute for the V7 chord, adding a jazzy and sophisticated feel to progressions. It can evoke a sense of tension, mystery, or even a bluesy vibe. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Ab7b9 chord:

  • I - IV - Ab7b9 - I (Ab - Db - Ab7b9 - Ab)
  • ii - V7 - Ab7b9 - I (Bbm7 - Eb7 - Ab7b9 - Ab)
  • I - vi - ii - Ab7b9 (Ab - Fm - Bbm - Ab7b9)
  • iii - VI - Ab7b9 - ii - V7 (Cm - F - Ab7b9 - Bbm - Eb7)
  • I - Ab7b9 - IV - iv (Ab - Ab7b9 - Db - Dbm). Used in "Michelle" by The Beatles.

Drills to master the Ab7b9 chord

To master the Ab7b9 chord, start by playing each note individually, focusing on clean fretting and consistent tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the Ab7b9 and other chords you frequently use in your playing.

Another helpful drill is to arpeggiate the chord, playing each note in succession from lowest to highest, and then descending. This exercise helps develop finger independence and familiarity with the chord shape. As you progress, try varying the rhythm and tempo of your arpeggios to further challenge yourself.

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Songs that feature the Ab7b9 chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Ab7b9 chord:

  1. Misty by Erroll Garner (Ebm7, Fm7, Db9, Cm7, Bbm7, Ab7b9, Gb7#11, Fm7, Bb7, Ebm7)
  2. Still Got The Blues by Gary Moore (Am, Bm, C, D, Em, Ab7b9)
  3. Moanin' by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers (Bb7, Eb7, Ab7b9, Db7)
  4. Stormy Weather by Harold Arlen (Fm7, Bb7, Eb7, Ab7b9, Db7, Cm7, F7, Bbm7)
  5. Epistrophy by Thelonious Monk (Ab7b9, B7)
  6. Hot House by Tadd Dameron (Ab7b9, B7, C#7, E7)
  7. Night And Day by Cole Porter (Cm7, Bbm7, Ab7b9, Db9)
  8. All Blues by Miles Davis (G7, C7, Ab7b9, D7)
  9. A Night In Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie (Eb7, Ab7b9, Db7, Gb7)
  10. Satin Doll by Duke Ellington (Cm7, Bbm7, Ab7b9, G7b9)

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.