G# DOMINANT NINTH - PIANO
Chord composition
| I | III | V | ♭VII | IX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Major third | Perfect fifth | Minor seventh | Major ninth |
| G# | C | D# | F# | A# |
ALL ABOUT THE G# DOMINANT NINTH CHORD
Chord Composition
The G# Dominant Ninth chord is composed of 5 notes :
- G# (Root)
- C (Major third)
- D# (Perfect fifth)
- F# (Minor seventh)
- A# (Major ninth)
These notes form a dominant ninth chord, adding jazz richness and tension.
How to play G# Dominant Ninth on piano
The 9 chord G# Dominant Ninth is a dominant seventh chord (1-3-5-7b) with an added major ninth.
- Complete structure: root, major third, fifth, minor seventh, major ninth (5 notes)
- Partial voicings: often the fifth is omitted to play on 4 strings
- Enriched dominant function: more colorful than simple 7 chord
- Blues and jazz: absolutely essential in these styles
The combination of minor seventh (tension) and major ninth (color) creates a rich sound typical of jazz and sophisticated blues.
Jazz techniques
For 9th chords on piano:
- V7 substitution: replaces the 7 chord for more richness
- Voicings without fifth: 1-3-7-9 on 4 strings, very common in jazz
- Enriched resolution: the 9th adds color to V-I resolution
Common uses of G# Dominant Ninth
The 9 chord enriches dominant progressions:
- Jazz standards: systematically replaces dominant 7 chords
- Sophisticated blues: enriches 12-bar blues
- Bossa nova: characteristic color of Brazilian style
- Funk and soul: 9 chords in syncopated grooves
Musical styles
Jazz: standard dominant chord, omnipresent.
Jazz blues: enriches traditional blues vocabulary.
Bossa nova: defines sophisticated Brazilian sound.
Funk: rich grooves with extensions.