This video is part of Real School's Education Series, where we share quick tips from top Real School instructors to take your playing and musicianship to the next level!
Guitar instructor Don Schulze is here with the first video in our Chord of the Week Series. In this video, Don explains the Dominant 7 #9 chord, how to play it, and how it is used!
This week's chord is the Dominant 7 #9.
It is also known as "The Hendrix Chord" because it was featured in the legendary Jimi Hendrix song, "Purple Haze."
HOW TO PLAY IT?
To play this E7(#9) you're going to put your middle finger on the 7th fret of the A string, your index finger on the 6th fret of the D, your ring finger on the 7th fret of the G, and your pinky on the 8th fret of the B.
WHAT IS IT?
It's basically a dominant seventh chord, which is a major family chord, BUT it has a minor third up on top (a.k.a. the sharp 9). It is this mix of a major third and minor third sonically battling it out that gives it it's crunchy, gritty vibration that the chord is known for.
HOW TO USE IT?
The root of the chord is on the A string being played by your middle finger. So to play an E7(#9) we're going to put the middle finger on the 7th fret of the A string, which is an E note and play it right there! If you wanted a different root, simply move that middle finger. For example, if you wanted a C7(#9), simply move the middle finger starting position to the third fret.
This chord basically works as a funky, gritty substitute for any dominant seventh chord.
And there you have it! The Dominant 7 #9, our chord of the week!
Be sure to tune in next time for another chord of the week! Don is going to be back with several more of these and tips on how you can incorporate them into your playing!
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