7th And 9th Chords – The Heart Of Jazz, Funk, Pop, Blues, And Polka | Why Every Guitarist Should Know 7th And 9th Chords

7th and 9th Chords – The Heart of Jazz, Funk, Pop, Blues, and Polka

7th and 9th chords are a big part of music styles like jazz, funk, pop, blues, and polka. If you’re learning guitar, knowing these chords will open up a lot of songs and styles. They sound rich, happy, and full—perfect for groovy rhythms and upbeat melodies.

Why 9th Chords Matter

9th chords are fun and flexible. They’re built by adding a ninth interval (an octave plus a second) to a triad or a 7th chord. These chords are smooth and soulful—great for funk and jazz.

One cool thing about 9th chords is how easy they are to move up and down the neck. You can treat them like barre chords. The root note is the first note you hit on the A string. Once you get the shape down, you can shift it to play different chords.

9th Chord Shapes (Moveable Form – Root on A String)

Try playing each of these and move them around to get comfortable with the pattern:

B9
e|–2–
B|–2–
G|–2–
D|–1–
A|–2–
E|–x–

e|–3–
B|–3–
G|–3–
D|–2–
A|–3–
E|–x–

e|–5–
B|–5–
G|–5–
D|–4–
A|–5–
E|–x–

e|–7–
B|–7–
G|–7–
D|–6–
A|–7–
E|–x–

e|–8–
B|–8–
G|–8–
D|–7–
A|–8–
E|–x–

e|–11–
B|–11–
G|–11–
D|–10–
A|–11–
E|–x—

e|–13–
B|–13–
G|–13–
D|–12–
A|–13–
E|–x—

e|–4–
B|–4–
G|–4–
D|–3–
A|–4–
E|–x–

e|–6–
B|–6–
G|–6–
D|–5–
A|–6–
E|–x–

e|–9–
B|–9–
G|–9–
D|–8–
A|–9–
E|–x–

e|–12–
B|–12–
G|–12–
D|–11–
A|–12–
E|–x—

These chords sound funky, jazzy, and full of character. Try sliding them up and down the neck to hear how they change in different keys.

Let’s Talk 7th Chords

7th chords are bright and happy. They have a nice ring to them and work great in polkas, blues, jazz, and even pop music.

I first learned these chords while playing polkas in junior high with my grandfather, Buckie DeForge. He was an accordion player who sometimes performed with the King of Polka, Frankie Yankovic. Those were good times, and these chords always bring me back.

7th Chord Examples

e|—–
B|–2–
G|–0–
D|–2–
A|–0–
E|–x–

e|–2–
B|—–
G|–2–
D|–1–
A|–2–
E|–x–

e|—–
B|–1–
G|–3–
D|–2–
A|–3–
E|–x–

e|–2–
B|–1–
G|–2–
D|–0–
A|–x–
E|–x–

e|–1–
B|–0–
G|–0–
D|–0–
A|–2–
E|–3–

e|—–
B|—–
G|–1–
D|–0–
A|–2–
E|–0–

Why Every Guitarist Should Know 7th and 9th Chords

7th chords are simple to play, and they give your rhythm a playful, relaxed feel. Listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan—he used 7th chords all the time. They sound great in blues and funk, too.

From the author @ryanlindgren

Ryan Dean Lindgren

Once you learn these 9th and 7th chords, try using them in your own songs. Play around the neck. Change positions. Experiment.

And don’t forget to have fun with it. Put on a Frankie Yankovic record—maybe “Beer Barrel Polka” or “She’s Too Fat for Me”—and play along.

Music is about feeling good. These chords will help you do just that.

Good luck—and don’t forget to practice.

To check other lessons from the author, click here: Ryan Dean Lindgren Lessons

7th and 9th Chords – The Heart of Jazz, Funk, Pop, Blues, and Polka | Why Every Guitarist Should Know 7th and 9th Chords