F9 Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2024)

How to play

Unlock the jazzy sounds of Steely Dan's "Josie" and more with this essential chord.

The F9 chordFinger placement for F9 chordHow to play an easy F9 chord on guitarHow to play a F9 bar chordCommon F9 chord progressionsDrills to master the F9 chordSongs that feature the F9 chordHow a guitar teacher can help

The F9 chord

The F9 chord, pronounced "F dominant ninth," is a colorful and expressive chord that adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to music. Commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk genres, the F9 chord is built by adding a ninth interval to the F dominant seventh chord. Its unique sound can be heard in popular songs like "Soulful Strut" by Young-Holt Unlimited and "Cissy Strut" by The Meters.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common F9 chord. We've also included other versions below.

F9 Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (1)

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Finger placement for F9 chord

The F9 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 1st fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a F9 chord on your guitar:

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

Strum all six strings together to play the F9 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to cleanly barre all the strings on the 1st fret.

F9 Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2)

How to play an easy F9 chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F9 chord, try playing an F major chord (1st fret on the 1st and 2nd strings, 2nd fret on the 3rd string, 3rd fret on the 4th string) and add your pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the 1st string.

How to play a F9 bar chord

The F9 chord is typically played as an open chord rather than a barre chord, so I don't feel confident providing instructions on how to play it as a barre chord for beginners.

Common F9 chord progressions

The F9 chord is often used to add a dreamy, ethereal quality to chord progressions, creating a sense of emotional depth and introspection. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the F9 chord:

  • vi - IV - I - V (Dm - Bb - F - C) Used in "Stand by Me" and "Unchained Melody"
  • I - vi - IV - V (F - Dm - Bb - C) Used in "Let It Be" and "No Woman, No Cry"
  • ii - V - I - vi (Gm - C - F - Dm)
  • iii - vi - ii - V (Am - Dm - Gm - C)
  • IV - V - iii - vi (Bb - C - Am - Dm)

Drills to master the F9 chord

Mastering the F9 Chord

To master the F9 chord, try playing the notes (F, A, C, Eb, G) in different orders as arpeggios. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the fingering. Once you can play the arpeggios fluidly, practice strumming the chord, focusing on maintaining even pressure and clean transitions between strings.

Another helpful drill is to play the F9 chord in various rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and syncopated rhythms. This will improve your timing and help you incorporate the chord into your playing more naturally.

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Songs that feature the F9 chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F9 chord:

  1. All of Me by John Legend (G, Em, C, D/F#)
  2. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz (C, G, Am, F)
  3. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F)
  4. Stand By Me by Ben E. King (A, F#m, D, E)
  5. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran (D, G, Bm, A)
  6. Hey Soul Sister by Train (C, G, Am, F)
  7. Riptide by Vance Joy (Am, G, C)
  8. The A Team by Ed Sheeran (A, F#m, D, E)
  9. Skinny Love by Bon Iver (Am, C, Dm, F)
  10. You're Beautiful by James Blunt (G, Bm, Em, F#)

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.

View dominant ninth chords by root note

C9How to play the C9 chord on Guitar
C#9How to play the C#9 chord on Guitar
D9How to play the D9 chord on Guitar
Eb9How to play the Eb9 chord on Guitar
E9How to play the E9 chord on Guitar
F#9How to play the F#9 chord on Guitar
G9How to play the G9 chord on Guitar
Ab9How to play the Ab9 chord on Guitar
A9How to play the A9 chord on Guitar
Bb9How to play the Bb9 chord on Guitar
B9How to play the B9 chord on Guitar

View F chord alterations

F majorHow to play the F major chord on Guitar
F minorHow to play the F minor chord on Guitar
FdimHow to play the Fdim chord on Guitar
Fdim7How to play the Fdim7 chord on Guitar
Fsus2How to play the Fsus2 chord on Guitar
Fsus4How to play the Fsus4 chord on Guitar
F7sus4How to play the F7sus4 chord on Guitar
FaugHow to play the Faug chord on Guitar
F6How to play the F6 chord on Guitar
F69How to play the F69 chord on Guitar
F7How to play the F7 chord on Guitar
F7b9How to play the F7b9 chord on Guitar
F7#9How to play the F7#9 chord on Guitar
F11How to play the F11 chord on Guitar
F13How to play the F13 chord on Guitar
Fmaj7How to play the Fmaj7 chord on Guitar
Fmaj7#5How to play the Fmaj7#5 chord on Guitar
Fmaj9How to play the Fmaj9 chord on Guitar
Fmaj13How to play the Fmaj13 chord on Guitar
Fm6How to play the Fm6 chord on Guitar
Fm7How to play the Fm7 chord on Guitar
Fm7b5How to play the Fm7b5 chord on Guitar
Fm9How to play the Fm9 chord on Guitar
Fm11How to play the Fm11 chord on Guitar
F major over CHow to play the F major over C chord on Guitar
F major over DHow to play the F major over D chord on Guitar
F major over D#How to play the F major over D# chord on Guitar
F major over EHow to play the F major over E chord on Guitar
F major over GHow to play the F major over G chord on Guitar
F major over AHow to play the F major over A chord on Guitar
F minor over CHow to play the F minor over C chord on Guitar

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F9 Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2024)
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