E Minor 9th
Hear the E Minor 9th chord played for you.
Em9
E – G – B – D – F♯
Formula:R-m3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The E Minor 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of E, G, B, D, and F♯. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
The E Minor 9th piano chord (Em9) consists of the notes E, G, B, D, F#. 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 E Minor 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 E Minor
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the E minor scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — E Minor (minor)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9
The E 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.
E Minor 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Minor 9th chord?
The E Minor 9th chord (Em9) contains five notes: E (root), G (minor third), B (perfect fifth), D (minor seventh), and F# (major ninth). It is Em7 with an added ninth.
How does Em9 differ from E9?
Em9 has a minor third (G). E9 has a major third (G#). Em9 is dark and smooth; E9 is dominant and bluesy.
How is Em9 used in music?
Em9 is the ii in D Major (Em9–A13–Dmaj9) and the iii in C Major. It appears in folk-jazz, neo-soul, and lo-fi.
What songs use Minor 9th chords?
Minor 9th chords define neo-soul and lo-fi. Em9 crosses into folk and acoustic music because E minor is so common.
How does Em9 differ from Em7?
Em9 adds the ninth (F#) for richer colour and openness.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: E–G–D–F# is practical.
Practice Tips
- Play Em7 then add F# — hear the ninth transform the chord.
- Drop the fifth: E–G–D–F# is standard.
- Em9 in the ii–V–I: Em9 → A13 → Dmaj9.
- Em9 is beautiful in lo-fi and folk-jazz.
- Rootless: G–B–D–F# (Gmaj7 shape over E bass).
- Compare Em9 with Em7 — the ninth opens up the sound significantly.
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.