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A piano reference: chords, scales, theory. Full MIDI.

A 9♭5

Notes: A – C♯ – E♭ – G – B
Degrees: 1 – 3 – ♭5 – ♭7 – 9
Also written: A9♭5Raise B to B♯ and it is A7♭5♯9; raise E♭ to E and it is A9. A, C♯ and G do not move.

The A 9♭5 chord is a five-note chord made up of A, C♯, E♭, G, and B.

A 9♭5 chord: A, C♯, E♭, G, B

It is built from a root, major third, diminished fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.

A dominant 9th with a lowered 5th: French-sixth coloration, the jazz altered-dominant sound.

Construction

A 9♭5 = Root + Major 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd = A, C♯, E♭, G, B
NoteIntervalDegree
ARoot1
C♯Major 3rd3
E♭Diminished 5th♭5
GMinor 7th♭7
BMajor 2nd9

How to Play the A 9♭5

Right Hand (RH)

Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5

Left Hand (LH)

For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1

Same Notes, Other Names

The notes A – C♯ – E♭ – G – B aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:

A 9♭5 : Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A 9♭5 chord on piano?
The A 9♭5 chord contains the notes A – C♯ – E♭ – G – B. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the A 9♭5 chord?
The A 9♭5 chord (A9♭5) contains 5 notes: A, C#, Eb, G, B. Formula: R-M3-d5-m7-M9.
How is A9♭5 used in music?
A9♭5 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 A9♭5?
A9♭5 uses scale degrees 1-3-b5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.

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