A Dominant 9th
Notes:A – C# – E – G – B
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The A Dominant 9th piano chord (A9) consists of the notes A, C#, E, G, B. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9.
Notes
A Dominant 9th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A4 – C#5 – E5 – G5 – B5 |
| 1st Inversion | C#4 – E4 – G4 – B4 – A5 |
| 2nd Inversion | E4 – G4 – B4 – A5 – C#6 |
Key Signature
The key of A Dominant 9th has 3 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯.
F♯C♯G♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
The A Dominant 9th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-M9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-M9 show the distance between each note in the chord.
A Dominant 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Dominant 9th chord?
The A Dominant 9th chord (A9) contains 5 notes: A, C#, E, G, B. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9.
How is A9 used in music?
A9 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?
A9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on A and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice A9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing A9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve A9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.