The G Minor 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of G, B♭, D, F, and A. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth.
Construction
G Minor 9th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd = G · B♭ · D · F · A
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G | Root | 1 |
| B♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| D | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| A | Major 2nd | 9 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the G Minor 9th is the tonic (i) chord of G Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, Bb Major — 2 flats (B♭, E♭).
B♭E♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of G Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of the G minor scale:
G Minor 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G Minor 9th chord on piano?
The G Minor 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 Minor 9th chord?
The G Minor 9th chord (Gm9) contains five notes: G (root), Bb (minor third), D (perfect fifth), F (minor seventh), and A (major ninth). It is Gm7 with an added ninth.
How does Gm9 differ from G9?
Gm9 has a minor third (Bb). G9 has a major third (B). Gm9 is dark and smooth; G9 is dominant.
How is Gm9 used in music?
Gm9 is the ii in F Major (Gm9–C13–Fmaj9). It also works as a i chord in G minor. Gm9 appears in jazz, Latin, R&B, and bossa nova.
What songs use Minor 9th chords?
Minor 9th chords define neo-soul and lo-fi. Gm9 is common in Latin jazz and bossa nova.
How does Gm9 differ from Gm7?
Gm9 adds the ninth (A) for richer colour.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: G–Bb–F–A is practical.