How to play the E69 chord on guitar
Learn to play the dreamy E69 chord, famously used in "Blackbird" by The Beatles.
The E69 chord
The E69 chord, pronounced "E sixth added ninth," is a rich and versatile guitar chord that adds a touch of sophistication to any composition. Notable for its lush, jazzy sound, the E69 is often used in genres like jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. Its unique voicing, which includes both the sixth and ninth notes, creates a complex harmony that can elevate any musical arrangement.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common E69 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for E69 chord
The E69 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 7th fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a E69 chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, forming a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 1st (high E) string.
Strum all six strings together to play the E69 chord, making sure each note rings out clearly.
How to play an easy E69 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E69 chord, try playing an E major chord and adding your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. This gives you the essential notes of the E69 chord (E, G#, B, and F#) without requiring a more complex fingering.
How to play a E69 bar chord
I apologize, but I do not believe there is a popular barre chord version of the E69 chord on guitar that I can confidently provide instructions for playing. The E69 chord is not a common chord, and I was unable to find reliable information about a standard barre chord shape for it in my knowledge base.
Common E69 chord progressions
The E69 chord, with its rich and dreamy sound, is often used in progressions that evoke feelings of yearning, nostalgia, or bittersweet emotions. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the E69 chord:
- vi69 - IV - I - V (E69 - A - D - B) Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day
- I - vi69 - IV - V (D - E69 - G - A)
- vi69 - ii - V - I (E69 - F#m - B - D)
- I - V - vi69 - IV (D - A - E69 - G)
- vi69 - V - IV - I (E69 - B - A - D)
Drills to master the E69 chord
Mastering the E69 guitar chord is all about building muscle memory through repetition. One effective drill is to play each note of the chord individually, starting with the lowest string and working your way up. Focus on producing a clear, consistent sound for each note before moving on to the next.
Another helpful exercise is to strum the E69 chord in a steady rhythm, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable with the fingering. Try incorporating the chord into simple progressions or songs to develop your ability to transition smoothly between different chord shapes.
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Songs that feature the E69 chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the E69 chord:
- I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie (Em, G, D, Am7)
- Plush by Stone Temple Pilots (E, D, G, B7)
- My Immortal by Evanescence (Am, E, B7, C)
- How to Save a Life by The Fray (Dm, Bb, F, C)
- Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
- The A Team by Ed Sheeran (Am, C, G, Em)
- Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, D, B7)
- Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something (D, G, A, Bm)
- Iris by Goo Goo Dolls (D, Bm, G, A)
- Mad World by Gary Jules (Am, Dm, G, C)
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.