The E 6/9 chord is a five-note chord made up of E, G♯, B, C♯, and F♯. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major sixth, and major ninth.
Construction
E 6/9 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th + Major 2nd = E · G♯ · B · C♯ · F♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| G♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| B | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C♯ | Major 6th | 6 |
| F♯ | Major 2nd | 2 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E 6/9 is the tonic (I) chord of E Major, whose key signature has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
F♯C♯G♯D♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of E Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the E major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E – G♯ – B – C♯ – F♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E 6/9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E 6/9 chord on piano?
The E 6/9 chord contains the notes E – G♯ – B – C♯ – F♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the E 6/9 chord?
The E 6/9 chord (E6/9) contains 5 notes: E, G#, B, C#, F#. Formula: R-M3-P5-M6-M9.
How is E6/9 used in music?
E6/9 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for E6/9?
E6/9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-6-9, giving it its distinctive sound.