C 7♭9
Jump to any chord
Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.
C7♭9
C – E – G – B♭ – D♭
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-m9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-m9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-b9
Introduction
The C 7♭9 chord is a five-note chord made up of C, E, G, B♭, and D♭. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and minor ninth.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of C 7♭9 has no sharps or flats. Every note is natural, which makes it the easiest key signature to read on the staff.
Chords in the Key of C Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the C major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — C Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-m9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-m9
The C 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.
C 7♭9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C 7♭9 chord?
The C 7♭9 chord (C7♭9) contains 5 notes: C, E, G, Bb, Db. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-m9.
How is C7♭9 used in music?
C7♭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 C7♭9?
C7♭9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-b9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice C7♭9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing C7♭9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve C7♭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.