C# Dominant 9th
Notes:C# – F – G# – B – D#
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The C# Dominant 9th piano chord (C#9) consists of the notes C#, F, G#, B, D#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9.
Enharmonic equivalent: C♯ is enharmonically equivalent to D♭. See Db Dominant 9th.
Notes
C# Dominant 9th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C#4 – F4 – G#4 – B4 – D#5 |
| 1st Inversion | F4 – G#4 – B4 – D#5 – C#6 |
| 2nd Inversion | G#4 – B4 – D#5 – C#6 – F6 |
Key Signature
The key of C# Dominant 9th has 7 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, E♯, B♯.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
The C# 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.
C# Dominant 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C# Dominant 9th chord?
The C# Dominant 9th chord (C#9) contains 5 notes: C#, F, G#, B, D#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9.
How is C#9 used in music?
C#9 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 C#9?
C#9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on C# and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice C#9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing C#9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve C#9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.