9th
2nd above octave
Common on major, minor and dominant chords.
Extended guitar chord voicings
Add 9ths, 11ths and 13ths without overcrowding the guitar.
Extended harmony works when the core chord quality remains clear. Start with the 3rd and 7th, then choose the extension and omit less important notes when needed.
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Extensions
Think beyond the octave while keeping the chord function intact.
9, 11 and 13 are scale-degree extensions above a seventh chord.
11th
4th above octave
Often requires context because it can rub against the 3rd.
13th
6th above octave
A common dominant and major color.
Omissions
You rarely need every theoretical chord tone on guitar.
Prioritize the notes that define quality and the extension you want to hear.
Keep 3rd
Quality
Unless the voicing intentionally suspends it.
Keep 7th
Function
Especially important in dominant and jazz harmony.
Omit 5th
Often safe
The perfect fifth is frequently the least informative tone.
Root optional
Context-dependent
Bass can supply it.
Register
Spacing determines clarity.
Dense low extensions can become muddy, so move color tones higher.
Bass
Keep simple
Avoid stacking too many close intervals low.
Middle
Guide tones
Place 3rd and 7th clearly.
Top
Extensions
9ths, 11ths and 13ths often read best above the core structure.
FAQ
Quick answers about extended chord voicings guitar.
Use these answers as a reference, then explore the relationships interactively.
What are extended chords?
Chords that include tones beyond the seventh, commonly the 9th, 11th or 13th.
Do I need every note of a 13th chord on guitar?
No. Guitar voicings often omit the fifth, root or other less essential tones while keeping the 3rd, 7th and target extension.
Why do extended chords sound muddy low on guitar?
Closely spaced low frequencies can mask one another, so extensions are often clearer in higher registers.
ChordRevelation
Move from explanation to interactive harmony.
Change the key, compare voicings, follow voice leading and see the same idea directly on the fretboard.