Dominant Ninth Chord

The Dominant Ninth Chord extends the Dominant 7 by adding a major ninth (an octave plus a major second) to its structure. The notes are: root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth. Its sound is richer, 'velvety', and often 'bluesy' compared to the Dominant 7, but it retains the same strong tendency to resolve to the tonic. The ninth adds a sophisticated and soft color, slightly softening the tension of the tritone while keeping its dominant function intact. For example, a G9 is composed of G, B, D, F, A. It is a chord much loved in jazz and funk for its fullness.

Common Progressions

• V9 - I (a denser and richer dominant resolution, with a more open sound)
• ii - V9 - I (extremely common in jazz, the V9 adds depth and color to the progression)
• I - IV - V9 (enriches the basic progression, often used in funk, R&B, and blues for its characteristic sound)