About the B7♯9 chord
The 7♯9 is often called the Hendrix chord after Purple Haze. It contains both a major and a minor third, which gives it a gritty, bluesy bite. The symbol for it is B7♯9.
How to play B7♯9
- Lay your index finger flat across the top 4 strings at fret 4, pressing just behind the fret.
- Put your middle finger on the A string at fret 5.
- Put your ring finger on the high E string at fret 5.
- Put your little finger on the low E string at fret 7.
- Strum all six strings.
1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little
Chords in the key of B major
These are the chords built on each note of the B major scale, so they all sound good together with B7♯9. The Roman numeral under each one is its position in the key.
Other B chords
B7♯9 chord questions
What notes are in a B7♯9 chord?
B7♯9 is made of B, D♯, F♯, A and D. In intervals that is 1, 3, 5, ♭7, ♯9 above the root, B.
What is the easiest way to play B7♯9?
The first shape above is the most common one: 7 5 4 4 4 5 from the low E string to the high E, where x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. Start there, and try the other shapes once it feels comfortable.
Is B7♯9 a barre chord?
The main shape uses a barre, where one finger holds down several strings at once. Press just behind the fret and roll the finger slightly onto its side.