C 9♭5
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C9♭5
C – E – G♭ – B♭ – D
Formula:R-M3-d5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-d5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-b5-b7-9
Introduction
The C 9♭5 chord is a five-note chord made up of C, E, G♭, B♭, and D. It is built from a root, major third, diminished fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of C 9♭5 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-d5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-d5-m7-M9
The C 9♭5 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-d5-m7-M9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-d5-m7-M9 show the distance between each note in the chord.
C 9♭5 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C 9♭5 chord?
The C 9♭5 chord (C9♭5) contains 5 notes: C, E, Gb, Bb, D. Formula: R-M3-d5-m7-M9.
How is C9♭5 used in music?
C9♭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 C9♭5?
C9♭5 uses scale degrees 1-3-b5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice C9♭5 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing C9♭5 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve C9♭5 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.