G Major 9th
Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.
G
B
D
A
F♯
Gmaj9
G – B – D – F♯ – A
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9
Introduction
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.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of G Major 9th has 1 sharp.
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 diatonic triads built on each degree of the G major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — G Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9
The G 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.
G Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Practice Tips
- Play Gmaj7 then add A — hear the lush expansion.
- Drop the fifth: G–B–F#–A is standard.
- Gmaj9 is beautiful in acoustic music — try it as a rich tonic in folk-jazz settings.
- Practice Am9 → D13 → Gmaj9 for the ii–V–I in G.
- Gmaj9 as IV in D Major: Dmaj7 → Gmaj9 is a gorgeous movement.
- Rootless: B–D–F#–A (Bm7 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.