Guitar arpeggio
A Dominant 7 Sharp 9 Guitar Arpeggio
A Dominant 7 Sharp 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from A, C#, E, G, and B#. It is also commonly called A Dominant Seven Sharp Nine and A 7 Sharp 9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- A, C#, E, G, B#
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 #9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 10 15
- Chord symbols
- A7#9
- Also called
- A Dominant Seven Sharp NineA 7 Sharp 9
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent A root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the A root notes and connect the remaining dominant 7 sharp 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called A Dominant Seven Sharp Nine or A 7 Sharp 9.
Chord construction and defining tones
A dominant 7 sharp 9 is defined by 3 (C#), b7 (G), and #9 (B#). The chord retains its major third and flat seventh while the sharp ninth adds an altered upper tension.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over A7#9, altered dominant harmony, and dominant sounds that deliberately combine the major third with the sharp ninth.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the A Dominant 7 Sharp 9 arpeggio from one A root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 3 (C#), b7 (G), and #9 (B#) in small groups and keep the major third and sharp ninth in separate octaves so both colors remain clear.
- Emphasize the sharp ninth over A7#9, then resolve it by semitone when the harmony changes.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with A Dominant 7 Sharp 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard