A Minor 9th
Hear the A Minor 9th chord played for you.
Am9
A – C – E – G – B
Formula:R-m3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The A Minor 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of A, C, E, G, and B. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
The A Minor 9th piano chord (Am9) consists of the notes A, C, E, G, B. It is a minor 7th chord with an added major 9th, giving it a dark yet lush character widely used in jazz, soul, and R&B progressions. Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-b7-9.
Notes
Key Signature
The key of A Minor 9th has no sharps or flats. Every note is natural, which makes it the easiest key signature to read on the staff.
Chords in the Key of A Minor
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the A minor scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — A Minor (minor)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9
The A Minor 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.
A Minor 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Minor 9th chord?
The A Minor 9th chord (Am9) contains five notes: A (root), C (minor third), E (perfect fifth), G (minor seventh), and B (major ninth). It is Am7 with an added ninth. Almost all white keys.
How does Am9 differ from A9?
Am9 has a minor third (C). A9 has a major third (C#). Am9 is dark and smooth; A9 is dominant and bluesy.
How is Am9 used in music?
Am9 is the ii in G Major (Am9–D13–Gmaj9) and the vi in C Major. It is one of the most common m9 chords in pop, jazz, and lo-fi because A minor and C Major are the most popular keys.
What songs use Minor 9th chords?
Minor 9th chords define neo-soul and lo-fi. Am9 may be the most frequently used m9 chord in popular music.
How does Am9 differ from Am7?
Am9 adds the ninth (B) for richer, more open colour.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: A–C–G–B is practical. Nearly all white keys.
Practice Tips
- Am9 without the fifth is nearly all white keys: A–C–G–B — one of the easiest m9 voicings.
- Am9 is a lo-fi hip-hop staple — loop it for instant chill atmosphere.
- Practice Am9 → D13 → Gmaj9 for the ii–V–I in G.
- Am9 may be the most used m9 chord in pop music — learn it early.
- Rootless: C–E–G–B (Cmaj7 shape over A bass) is the standard jazz voicing.
- Compare Am9 with Am7 — the ninth opens up the sound beautifully.
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.