Ninth Chords

A ninth chord is a chord that includes the basic notes of a seventh chord (root, 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th) with an added ninth. Ninth chords create a complex, jazzy sound and are often used in blues, jazz, and funk to add harmonic richness and tension.

A Dominant Ninth (9) is the most common ninth chord, with a major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and added ninth. A Major Ninth (maj9) is major seventh chord with an added ninth. It has a major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and ninth, giving it a bright, jazzy sound. A minor seventh chord with an added ninth, which gives it a deep, rich sound.

Ninth chords have a lush, full sound due to the added ninth note, which creates a more complex harmony. Dominant ninth chords add tension, while major and minor ninth chords have a smoother feel.

Dominant ninths often resolve to tonic chords, while major and minor ninths add depth to chord progressions.

Chord	Character	Intervals	Example Chord
Major 9	Happy	1-3-7-9	Cmaj9 – C E B D
Minor 9	Sad	1-b3-b7-9	Cm9 – C Eb Bb D
Minor/Major 9	Spy Movie Chord	1-b3-7-9	Cm/Maj9 – C Eb B D
Dominant 9	Tense	1-3-b7-9	C9 – C E Bb D
Dominant7#9	Hendrix Chord	1-3-b7-#9	C7#9 – C E Bb D#
Major 11	Happy	1-7-9-11	Cmaj11 – C B D F
Minor 11	Sad	1-b3-b7-9-11	Cm11 – C Eb Bb D F
Dominant 11	Tense	1-b7-9-11	C11 – C Bb D F
Major 13	Happy	1-3-7-13	Cmaj13 – C E B A
Minor 13	Sad	1-b3-b7-13	Cm13 – C Eb Bb A
Dominant 13	Tense	1-3-b7-13	C13 – C E Bb A