G♭ Minor 9th
Also Known As
Hear the G♭ Minor 9th chord played for you.
G♭m9
G♭ – A – D♭ – E – A♭
Formula:R-m3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The G♭ Minor 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of G♭, A, D♭, E, and A♭. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
The Gb Minor 9th piano chord (Gbm9) consists of the notes Gb, A, Db, E, Ab. 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 Gb Minor 9th (enharmonically equivalent to F# Minor 9th) has 3 sharps.
F♯C♯G♯
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♭ Minor
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the G♭ minor scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — G♭ Minor (minor)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9
The G♭ 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.
G♭ Minor 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Gb Minor 9th chord?
The Gb Minor 9th chord (Gbm9) contains five notes: Gb (root), Bbb (minor third, enharmonically A), Db (perfect fifth), Fb (minor seventh, enharmonically E), and Ab (major ninth). Enharmonic equivalent of F#m9.
How does Gbm9 differ from Gb9?
Gbm9 has a minor third. Gb9 has a major third. Gbm9 is dark; Gb9 is dominant.
How is Gbm9 used in music?
Gbm9 is the enharmonic equivalent of F#m9, the ii in E Major. Musicians typically use F#m9.
What songs use Minor 9th chords?
Minor 9th chords define neo-soul and lo-fi.
How does Gbm9 differ from Gbm7?
Gbm9 adds the ninth (Ab) for richer colour.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth for a cleaner voicing.
Practice Tips
- Gbm9 and F#m9 are enharmonic — practice both.
- Drop the fifth for the practical voicing.
- Practice as the ii chord: Gbm9 → Cb13 → Fbmaj9 (F#m9 → B13 → Emaj9).
- When you see Gbm9, translate to F#m9 for easier reading.
- Minor 9th chords are neo-soul building blocks.
- Rootless voicing 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.