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-A5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-A5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-#5-b7-9
Introduction
The G# 9♯5 chord in root position on a piano keyboard, notes G#, C, E, F#, A#.
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, augmented fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
Notes
Notes:G♯ – B♯ – D♯♯ – F♯ – A♯
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:
The G♯ 9♯5 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-A5-m7-M9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-A5-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, E, F#, A#. Formula: R-M3-A5-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-#5-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.
Keep going with the 9♯5 chord — these pages cover the underlying theory, the connected reference material, and the practice tools that work with this chord.
