B Dominant 9th
Notes:B – D# – F# – A – C#
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The B Dominant 9th piano chord (B9) consists of the notes B, D#, F#, A, C#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9.
Notes
B Dominant 9th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B4 – D#5 – F#5 – A5 – C#6 |
| 1st Inversion | D#4 – F#4 – A4 – C#5 – B5 |
| 2nd Inversion | F#4 – A4 – C#5 – B5 – D#6 |
Key Signature
The key of B Dominant 9th has 5 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
The B 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.
B Dominant 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Dominant 9th chord?
The B Dominant 9th chord (B9) contains 5 notes: B, D#, F#, A, C#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9.
How is B9 used in music?
B9 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 B9?
B9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on B and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice B9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing B9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve B9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.