The B Major 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of B, D♯, F♯, A♯, and C♯. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth.
Construction
B Major 9th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd = B · D♯ · F♯ · A♯ · C♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B | Root | 1 |
| D♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| F♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| A♯ | Major 7th | 7 |
| C♯ | Major 2nd | 9 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the B Major 9th is the tonic (I) chord of B Major, whose key signature has 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯).
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
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 B Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the B major scale:
B Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B Major 9th chord on piano?
The B Major 9th chord contains the notes B – D♯ – F♯ – A♯ – C♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the B Major 9th chord?
The B Major 9th chord (Bmaj9) contains five notes: B (root), D# (major third), F# (perfect fifth), A# (major seventh), and C# (major ninth). It is Bmaj7 with an added ninth.
How does Bmaj9 differ from B9?
Bmaj9 has a major seventh (A#). B9 has a minor seventh (A). Bmaj9 is dreamy; B9 is dominant.
How is Bmaj9 used in music?
Bmaj9 is a lush tonic in B Major. It appears in contemporary jazz, fusion, and J-pop.
What songs use Major 9th chords?
Major 9th chords appear in neo-soul, jazz, and lo-fi music.
How does Bmaj9 differ from Badd9?
Bmaj9 includes the major seventh (A#). Badd9 has no seventh.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: B–D#–A#–C# is the practical voicing.