Guitar arpeggio
Ab Dominant 9 Guitar Arpeggio
Ab Dominant 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from Ab, C, Eb, Gb, and Bb. It is also commonly called Ab Dominant Ninth and Ab9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Ab, C, Eb, Gb, Bb
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 10 14
- Chord symbols
- Ab9
- Also called
- Ab Dominant NinthAb9
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 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Ab Dominant Ninth or Ab9.
Chord construction and defining tones
Ab dominant 9 is defined by 3 (C), b7 (Gb), and 9 (Bb). The dominant guide tones remain intact while the ninth adds an upper extension.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Ab9, dominant funk and blues harmony, or a V chord that includes the natural ninth.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Ab Dominant 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 (Bb) as a rootless three-note group in several positions, then add the root and fifth.
- Outline Ab9, emphasize the ninth, and resolve the third and flat seventh into the next chord.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Dominant 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard