A♭ Major 9th
Also Known As
Hear the A♭ Major 9th chord played for you.
A♭maj9
A♭ – C – E♭ – G – B♭
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9
Introduction
The A♭ Major 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of A♭, C, E♭, G, and B♭. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth.
The Ab Major 9th piano chord (Abmaj9) consists of the notes Ab, C, Eb, G, Bb. It is a major 7th chord with an added major 9th, giving it a lush, sophisticated character often used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul progressions. Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-7-9.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of Ab Major 9th has 4 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
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 A♭ Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the A♭ major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — A♭ Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9
The A♭ Major 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♭ Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Major 9th chord?
The Ab Major 9th chord (Abmaj9) contains five notes: Ab (root), C (major third), Eb (perfect fifth), G (major seventh), and Bb (major ninth). It is Abmaj7 with an added ninth.
How does Abmaj9 differ from Ab9?
Abmaj9 has a major seventh (G). Ab9 has a minor seventh (Gb). Abmaj9 is lush; Ab9 is dominant.
How is Abmaj9 used in music?
Abmaj9 is a rich tonic in Ab Major, a favourite key for R&B vocalists. It appears in neo-soul, gospel, jazz ballads, and sophisticated pop.
What songs use Major 9th chords?
Major 9th chords are signature sounds of neo-soul and jazz. Abmaj9 is especially common in R&B and gospel.
How does Abmaj9 differ from Abadd9?
Abmaj9 includes the major seventh (G). Abadd9 has no seventh.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: Ab–C–G–Bb is the practical voicing.
Practice Tips
- Play Abmaj7 then add Bb — hear the lush ninth.
- Drop the fifth: Ab–C–G–Bb is standard.
- Abmaj9 is an R&B and neo-soul favourite — one of the richest tonic sounds.
- Practice Bbm9 → Eb13 → Abmaj9 for the jazz ii–V–I in Ab.
- Abmaj9 as IV in Eb Major: Ebmaj7 → Abmaj9 is gorgeous.
- Rootless: C–Eb–G–Bb (Cm7 shape) for jazz comping.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.