G♯ 9♭5
Also known as A♭ 9♭5
Same keys, different spelling.
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Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.
G♯9♭5
G♯ – B♯ – D – F♯ – A♯
Formula:R-M3-d5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-d5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-b5-b7-9
Introduction
The G♯ 9♭5 chord is a five-note chord made up of G♯, B♯, D, F♯, and A♯. It is built from a root, major third, diminished fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of G# 9♭5 (enharmonically equivalent to Ab 9♭5) has 4 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of G♯ Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the G♯ major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — G♯ Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-d5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-d5-m7-M9
The G♯ 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.
G♯ 9♭5 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G# 9♭5 chord?
The G# 9♭5 chord (G#9♭5) contains 5 notes: G#, C, D, F#, A#. Formula: R-M3-d5-m7-M9.
How is G#9♭5 used in music?
G#9♭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 G#9♭5?
G#9♭5 uses scale degrees 1-3-b5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on G# and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice G#9♭5 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing G#9♭5 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve G#9♭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.