G Dominant Ninth Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
G Dominant Ninth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: G, B, D, F, A
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9M
Formula: 2W-WH-WH-2W
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: 9
The G Dominant Ninth arpeggio contains 5 notes (G, B, D, F, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the G Dominant Ninth Arpeggio
Play the G Dominant Ninth arpeggio whenever a G Dominant Ninth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The G Dominant Ninth arpeggio uses 5 notes (G, B, D, F, A) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play G Dominant Ninth Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your G Dominant Ninth arpeggio at fret 3 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 10th fret on the A string. This 5-note arpeggio (G, B, D, F, A) benefits from economy picking, combining sweep and alternate picking motions. Practice isolating two-string pairs to build coordination before linking the full shape.
The G Dominant Ninth arpeggio outlines a dominant seventh chord, creating the tension that wants to resolve. Use it over G7, G9, G13 chords, especially in blues, funk, and jazz where dominant harmony drives the groove.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the G Dominant Ninth arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the G Dominant Ninth arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding G major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore G Dominant Ninth in Other Tunings
- G Dominant Ninth in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- G Dominant Ninth in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- G Dominant Ninth in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- G Dominant Ninth in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- G Dominant Ninth in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- G Dominant Ninth in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- G Dominant Ninth in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- G Dominant Ninth in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- G Dominant Ninth in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- G Dominant Ninth in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- G Dominant Ninth in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- G Dominant Ninth in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- G Dominant Ninth in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- G Dominant Ninth in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)