The G Major 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of G, B, D, F♯, and A. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth.
Construction
G Major 9th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd = G · B · D · F♯ · A
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G | Root | 1 |
| B | Major 3rd | 3 |
| D | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F♯ | Major 7th | 7 |
| A | Major 2nd | 9 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the G Major 9th is the tonic (I) chord of G Major, whose key signature has 1 sharp (F♯).
F♯
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 G Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the G major scale:
G Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G Major 9th chord on piano?
The G Major 9th chord contains the notes G – B – D – F♯ – A. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the G Major 9th chord?
The G Major 9th chord (Gmaj9) contains five notes: G (root), B (major third), D (perfect fifth), F# (major seventh), and A (major ninth). It is Gmaj7 with an added ninth.
How does Gmaj9 differ from G9?
Gmaj9 has a major seventh (F#). G9 has a minor seventh (F). Gmaj9 is dreamy and resolved; G9 is dominant and drives to C.
How is Gmaj9 used in music?
Gmaj9 is a lush tonic in G Major and the IV chord in D Major. G is one of the most common keys, making Gmaj9 popular in folk-jazz, singer-songwriter, and acoustic music.
What songs use Major 9th chords?
Major 9th chords appear in neo-soul, jazz, and lo-fi. Gmaj9 is common in acoustic and folk-jazz contexts.
How does Gmaj9 differ from Gadd9?
Gmaj9 includes the major seventh (F#). Gadd9 has no seventh. Gmaj9 is warmer and more sophisticated.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: G–B–F#–A is the practical voicing.