E♭ Major 9th
Also Known As
Hear the E♭ Major 9th chord played for you.
E♭maj9
E♭ – G – B♭ – D – F
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9
Introduction
The E♭ Major 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of E♭, G, B♭, D, and F. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth.
The Eb Major 9th piano chord (Ebmaj9) consists of the notes Eb, G, Bb, D, F. 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 Eb Major 9th has 3 flats.
B♭E♭A♭
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 E♭ Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the E♭ major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — E♭ Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9
The E♭ 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.
E♭ Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Eb Major 9th chord?
The Eb Major 9th chord (Ebmaj9) contains five notes: Eb (root), G (major third), Bb (perfect fifth), D (major seventh), and F (major ninth). It is Ebmaj7 with an added ninth.
How does Ebmaj9 differ from Eb9?
Ebmaj9 has a major seventh (D). Eb9 has a minor seventh (Db). Ebmaj9 is lush and resolved; Eb9 is dominant.
How is Ebmaj9 used in music?
Ebmaj9 is a rich tonic in Eb Major, one of the most common jazz keys. It appears in jazz standards, big band, and R&B.
What songs use Major 9th chords?
Major 9th chords are signature sounds of neo-soul, jazz, and lo-fi music.
How does Ebmaj9 differ from Ebadd9?
Ebmaj9 includes the major seventh (D). Ebadd9 has no seventh.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: Eb–G–D–F is the practical voicing.
Practice Tips
- Play Ebmaj7 then add F — hear the lush ninth.
- Drop the fifth: Eb–G–D–F is standard.
- Ebmaj9 is a jazz favourite — practice Fm9 → Bb13 → Ebmaj9.
- Eb is one of the most important jazz keys — know Ebmaj9 fluently.
- Rootless: G–Bb–D–F for jazz comping.
- Ebmaj9 as the IV in Bb Major: Bbmaj7 → Ebmaj9 is a gorgeous movement.
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.