+1 to AEO's comment.

In my experience, using a rivet chain and a no-ramp/no-pin SS front chainring helped immensely with my previous issues of chainsuck (where the off-line chain is sucked up at the bottom of the crank, and off the chainring---very irritating).

i run a 42t x 11-34, with the center more or less on my #5 gear (in my case, using a 107mm BB and a Sugino single crank, which is actually a double anyway); the drivetrain makes some noise on the #1 and #9 rear gears, but i don't notice any real performance hits (either the incline of the hill is a greater obstacle, or the drag of my body in the wind).

but the best part you probably already know: riding the 1x9 is loads of fun. good luck on yours!