E9 Chord on Guitar
E9 is the E dominant 9th chord — 5 notes (E, G♯, B, D, F♯) built from the formula 1 3 5 ♭7 9. Below are playable shapes across the fretboard, the keys it belongs to and the scales to use when soloing over it.
E9: Chord shapes (open & barre)
- open position
- fret 1
- fret 4
- fret 6
- fret 9
- fret 11
- fret 12
- fret 13
E9: Shell voicings (jazz)
- R-3-7
- R-3-7
- R-7-3
- R-7-3
Keys that contain E9
Scales to play over E9
Ordered from the most common choice. All of them contain E, G♯, B, D, F♯.
Other E chords
Dominant 9th chords in other keys
FAQ
- What notes are in the E9 chord?
- E9 (E dominant 9th) contains E, G♯, B, D, F♯ — formula 1 3 5 ♭7 9.
- How do you play E9 on guitar?
- A common shape is 020102 (low E to high E, x = muted string, open position). This page shows more shapes, drop 2, drop 3 and shell voicings in the interactive library.
- What scale goes with E9?
- Good choices to solo over E9: E Mixolydian, E Lydian dominant, E Mixolydian ♭6.
- What key is E9 in?
- E9 is diatonic in A major (V9), F♯ minor (♭VII9).