Julie Swihart

Ninth Chords

Let’s look at how to play an A9 chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any ninth chord.

What Are Ninth Chords?

Ninth chords are major chords with two added notes. The added notes are the seventh note of the matching major scale, lowered 1/2 step, and the ninth note of the same scale.

To build a ninth chord, we’ll start by building a major chord. Major chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale (learn how to build a major scale here).

Next we’ll add the seventh note of the scale, lowered 1/2 step.

Then we’ll add the ninth note of the scale to the chord to complete the chord. Since scales only have eight notes, to add the ninth note, we’ll repeat the scale into the next octave, adding the ninth note. The ninth note of a scale is the same as the second note of the scale, but one octave higher.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, augmented, diminished, etc.).

Get the Printable

How to Play an A9 Chord

Now let’s build the A9 chord on the piano. First we’ll build an A major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the A major scale: A – C♯ – E.

Next we’ll find the seventh note of the scale and lower it 1/2 step: G.

Then we’ll find the ninth note of the scale by repeating the scale into the next octave: B

So to play an A9 chord, we’ll play:

A – C♯ – E – G – B

You can use this pattern to build any ninth chord on the piano. First build a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Then add the seventh note of the scale, lowered 1/2 step. Then add the ninth note of the scale, by repeating the scale into the next octave.

Fingering

You probably can’t reach all these notes with your right hand, so here are some options: You could play the A with your left hand, and play the C♯ – E – G – B with your right hand using fingers 1 – 2 – 3 – 5 (thumbs are 1’s).

Another option would be to move the B down to the position of a second, and play the notes in this order: A – B – C♯ – E – G. In order to make this work, you’ll need to play both the A and B with your thumb laying at an angle. So the fingering would be 1 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 5.

Other Chord Types

There are many other chord types you can learn. Here are some others:

Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Second
Minor Second
Suspended
Fifth
Sixth
Minor Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Minor Ninth
Major Ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to build an A9 chord on the piano, and you can use that pattern to build any ninth chord!

Ninth chords are more complex than other chord types because of the added notes, and have a wonderful rich sound.