The E 9♭5 chord is a five-note chord made up of E, G♯, B♭, D, and F♯. It is built from a root, major third, diminished fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
Construction
E 9♭5 = Root + Major 3rd + Diminished 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd = E · G♯ · B♭ · D · F♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| G♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| B♭ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| D | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| F♯ | Major 2nd | 9 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E 9♭5 is the tonic (I) chord of E Major, whose key signature has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
F♯C♯G♯D♯
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 E Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the E major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E – G♯ – B♭ – D – F♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E 9♭5 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E 9♭5 chord on piano?
The E 9♭5 chord contains the notes E – G♯ – B♭ – D – F♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the E 9♭5 chord?
The E 9♭5 chord (E9♭5) contains 5 notes: E, G#, Bb, D, F#. Formula: R-M3-d5-m7-M9.
How is E9♭5 used in music?
E9♭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 E9♭5?
E9♭5 uses scale degrees 1-3-b5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.