Minor Ninth chord - guitar
The minor ninth chord (m9 or min9) combines an m7 chord with a major ninth. It creates a rich and contemplative sound, essential in jazz progressions.
Intervals
| Degree | I | ♭III | V | ♭VII | IX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Minor third | Perfect fifth | Minor seventh | Major ninth |
| Semitones | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 14 |
Formula 1 - ♭3 - 5 - ♭7 - 9
Theory
The m9 chord adds a major ninth to the m7 chord. D m9 = D-F-A-C-E, A m9 = A-C-E-G-B. It's frequently used as IIm9 in II-V-I progressions. The fifth can be omitted for a more compact voicing, particularly useful on guitar.
Examples
Example: Do Minor Ninth
Bass fret 3
Bass fret 8
Bass fret 10
Styles
Construction
Formula 1 - 3b - 5 - 7b - 9: m7 + ninth. Minor jazz, modal, fusion.
Learning
IIm9-V9-Imaj9 progressions. Modal jazz. Fusion grooves.
How to play
Enriched IIm9. Modal jazz. Fusion. Soft extended sound.