Guitar arpeggio

E Dominant 7 Sharp 9 Guitar Arpeggio

E Dominant 7 Sharp 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from E, G#, B, D, and F##. It is also commonly called E Dominant Seven Sharp Nine and E 7 Sharp 9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
E, G#, B, D, F##
Formula
1 3 5 b7 #9
Semitones
0 4 7 10 15
Chord symbols
E7#9
Also called
E Dominant Seven Sharp NineE 7 Sharp 9

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent E root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the E root notes and connect the remaining dominant 7 sharp 9 chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called E Dominant Seven Sharp Nine or E 7 Sharp 9.

Chord construction and defining tones

3G#
b7D
#9F##

E dominant 7 sharp 9 is defined by 3 (G#), b7 (D), and #9 (F##). The chord retains its major third and flat seventh while the sharp ninth adds an altered upper tension.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio over E7#9, altered dominant harmony, and dominant sounds that deliberately combine the major third with the sharp ninth.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the E Dominant 7 Sharp 9 arpeggio from one E root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Play 3 (G#), b7 (D), and #9 (F##) in small groups and keep the major third and sharp ninth in separate octaves so both colors remain clear.
  3. Emphasize the sharp ninth over E7#9, then resolve it by semitone when the harmony changes.

Fretboard diagram

E Dominant 7 Sharp 9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
E Dominant 7 Sharp 9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with E Dominant 7 Sharp 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning