The F Major 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of F, A, C, E, and G. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth.
Construction
F Major 9th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd = F · A · C · E · G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| F | Root | 1 |
| A | Major 3rd | 3 |
| C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| E | Major 7th | 7 |
| G | Major 2nd | 9 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the F Major 9th is the tonic (I) chord of F Major, whose key signature has 1 flat (B♭).
B♭
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 F Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the F major scale:
F Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F Major 9th chord on piano?
The F Major 9th chord contains the notes F – A – C – E – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the F Major 9th chord?
The F Major 9th chord (Fmaj9) contains five notes: F (root), A (major third), C (perfect fifth), E (major seventh), and G (major ninth). It is Fmaj7 with an added ninth.
How does Fmaj9 differ from F9?
Fmaj9 has a major seventh (E). F9 has a minor seventh (Eb). Fmaj9 is lush and resolved; F9 is dominant and tense.
How is Fmaj9 used in music?
Fmaj9 is the IV chord in C Major jazz harmony — one of the most beautiful chord sounds in music. It appears in bossa nova, jazz ballads, neo-soul, and sophisticated pop.
What songs use Major 9th chords?
Major 9th chords are signature sounds of neo-soul, jazz, and lo-fi. Fmaj9 as the IV in C Major is one of the most commonly heard maj9 voicings.
How does Fmaj9 differ from Fadd9?
Fmaj9 includes the major seventh (E). Fadd9 has no seventh. Fmaj9 is warmer and more complex.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: F–A–E–G is the practical voicing. All white keys — one of the easiest maj9 voicings.