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A♭ 7♯9

Also known as G♯ 7♯9
Same keys, different spelling.
Open G♯ 7♯9Same chord, spelled with sharpsWhat are enharmonics? →Why one chord has two names
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Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.

A♭7♯9
A♭ – C – E♭ – G♭ – B
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-A9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-A9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-#9

Introduction

Ab 7♯9 piano chord, root position — Ab, C, Eb, Gb, B
The Ab 7♯9 chord in root position on a piano keyboard, notes Ab, C, Eb, Gb, B.

The A♭ 7♯9 chord is a five-note chord made up of A♭, C, E♭, G♭, and B. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and augmented ninth.

Notes

Notes:A♭ – C – E♭ – G♭ – B

Key Signature

The key of Ab 7♯9 has 4 flats.

B♭E♭A♭D♭

Order of flats

Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.

BEADGCF

Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father

Chords in the Key of A♭ Major

These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the A♭ major scale:

C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
IA♭ Major (major)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IA♭ MajorMajor
2iiB♭ MinorMinor
3iiiC MinorMinor
4IVD♭ MajorMajor
5VE♭ MajorMajor
6viF MinorMinor
7vii°G DiminishedDiminished

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-A9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-A9

The A♭ 7♯9 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-A9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-A9 show the distance between each note in the chord.

A♭ 7♯9 — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Ab 7♯9 chord?
The Ab 7♯9 chord (Ab7♯9) contains 5 notes: Ab, C, Eb, Gb, B. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-A9.
How is Ab7♯9 used in music?
Ab7♯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 Ab7♯9?
Ab7♯9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-#9, giving it its distinctive sound.

Practice Tips

  • Start by placing your thumb on Ab and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
  • Practice Ab7♯9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing Ab7♯9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve Ab7♯9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.

Related Tools

Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.