B 7♭9
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B7♭9
B – D♯ – F♯ – A – C
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-m9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-m9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-b9
Introduction
The B 7♭9 chord is a five-note chord made up of B, D♯, F♯, A, and C. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and minor ninth.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of B 7♭9 has 5 sharps.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
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 B Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the B major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — B Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-m9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-m9
The B 7♭9 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-m9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-m9 show the distance between each note in the chord.
B 7♭9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B 7♭9 chord?
The B 7♭9 chord (B7♭9) contains 5 notes: B, D#, F#, A, C. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-m9.
How is B7♭9 used in music?
B7♭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 B7♭9?
B7♭9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-b9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on B and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice B7♭9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing B7♭9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve B7♭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.