The C♭ 6/9 chord is a five-note chord made up of C♭, E♭, G♭, A♭, and D♭. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major sixth, and major ninth.
Construction
C♭ 6/9 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th + Major 2nd = C♭ · E♭ · G♭ · A♭ · D♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C♭ | Root | 1 |
| E♭ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| A♭ | Major 6th | 6 |
| D♭ | Major 2nd | 2 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C♭ 6/9 is the tonic (I) chord of Cb Major, whose key signature has 7 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
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 C♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the C♭ major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – A♭ – D♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
C♭ 6/9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C♭ 6/9 chord on piano?
The C♭ 6/9 chord contains the notes C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – A♭ – D♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Cb 6/9 chord?
The Cb 6/9 chord (Cb6/9) contains 5 notes: Cb, E, G, A, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-M6-M9.
How is Cb6/9 used in music?
Cb6/9 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 Cb6/9?
Cb6/9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-6-9, giving it its distinctive sound.