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G Dominant 9th

Hear the G Dominant 9th chord played for you.

G9
G – B – D – F – A
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9

Introduction

The G Dominant 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of G, B, D, F, and A. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.

The G Dominant 9th piano chord (G9) consists of the notes G, B, D, F, A. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9.

Notes

Notes:G – B – D – F – A

Key Signature

The key of G Dominant 9th has 1 sharp.

F♯

Order of sharps

Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.

F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯

Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle

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)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IG MajorMajor
2iiA MinorMinor
3iiiB MinorMinor
4IVC MajorMajor
5VD MajorMajor
6viE MinorMinor
7vii°F♯ DiminishedDiminished

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9

The G 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.

G Dominant 9th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G Dominant 9th chord?
The G Dominant 9th chord (G9) contains 5 notes: G, B, D, F, A. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9.
How is G9 used in music?
G9 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 G9?
G9 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 G9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing G9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve G9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.

Related Tools

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