Guitar arpeggio
Ab Dominant 7 Sharp 9 Guitar Arpeggio
Ab Dominant 7 Sharp 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from Ab, C, Eb, Gb, and B. It is also commonly called Ab Dominant Seven Sharp Nine and Ab 7 Sharp 9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Ab, C, Eb, Gb, B
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 #9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 10 15
- Chord symbols
- Ab7#9
- Also called
- Ab Dominant Seven Sharp NineAb 7 Sharp 9
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Ab root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Ab root notes and connect the remaining dominant 7 sharp 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Ab Dominant Seven Sharp Nine or Ab 7 Sharp 9.
Chord construction and defining tones
Ab dominant 7 sharp 9 is defined by 3 (C), b7 (Gb), 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 Ab7#9, altered dominant harmony, and dominant sounds that deliberately combine the major third with the sharp ninth.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Ab Dominant 7 Sharp 9 arpeggio from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 3 (C), b7 (Gb), 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 Ab7#9, then resolve it by semitone when the harmony changes.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Dominant 7 Sharp 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard