Amaj9 Chord Guide

This page dives into the Amaj9 major-ninth chord for guitar - its voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it adds that ultra-lush, dreamy, modern-jazz shimmer. Amaj9 (G • B • D • F# • A) is Gmaj7 with the added ninth, creating one of the richest, most sophisticated open sounds on the instrument.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Amaj9

Classic Open (3x0202)

Full & Sparkling (3x4433)

Modern Jazz Grip

Acoustic Favorite (xx5475)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Major Family Modes

• A Ionian (Major): A B C# D E F# G# A
  

  
  e|------------------------0-2-4-5--|
  B|------------------0-2-3----------|
  G|--------------1-2----------------|
  D|----------2-4--------------------|
  A|----2-4-5------------------------|
  E|--5------------------------------|

• D Lydian: D E F# G# A B C# D (extra dreamy with #11)
  

  
  e|--------------------------5-7-9-10--|
  B|--------------------5-7-9-----------|
  G|--------------4-6-7-----------------|
  D|--------4-6-7-----------------------|
  A|--5-7-------------------------------|
  E|------------------------------------|

• E Mixolydian: E F# G# A B C# D E (major scale w/ bluesy b7)
  

  
  e|----------------------------------9-10-12-|
  B|--------------------------9-10-12---------|
  G|---------------------9-11-----------------|
  D|-------------9-11-12----------------------|
  A|-----9-11-12------------------------------|
  E|--12--------------------------------------|

Pentatonics & Extensions

• A Major Pentatonic + 9th: A B C# E F# (safe, lush foundation)
  

  
  e|----------------------2-|
  B|------------------2-5---|
  G|--------------2-4-------|
  D|----------2-4-----------|
  A|----0-2-4---------------|
  E|------------------------|

• Amaj9 Arpeggio: A C# E G# B
  

  
  e|-----------------4-7-|
  B|-------------2-5-----|
  G|---------1-4---------|
  D|------2--------------|
  A|--0-4----------------|
  E|---------------------|

Amaj9 in Legendary Songs

Here are some tracks where Amaj9 (or very close voicings) brings that rich, floating magic:

• "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers – Iconic verse uses Amaj9-ish shapes for that wistful, introspective vibe.
• "Still Got the Blues" by Gary Moore – Adds sophisticated extension in emotional sections (often played as maj9 colors).
• "New Light" by John Mayer – Neo-soul smoothness; maj9 voicings help build the dreamy atmosphere.
• Jazz standards like "Autumn Leaves" or "All the Things You Are" (various versions) – Maj9 subs are common for richer comping.
• Neo-soul/R&B grooves (e.g., covers or originals by artists like D'Angelo or Daniel Caesar) – Amaj9 floats through chill progressions.