Ab6/9

General info

Full name

Ab 6/9

Symbol

Ab6/9

Root

Ab

Quality

6/9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

VDominant (V)C# major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

DbDb MajorEbEb MajorFmF Minor

Main resolution

Ab6/9source

EbEb Major

Major chord Ab is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Ab6/9source

Deceptive resolution

FmF Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Ab6/9source

Modal resolution

GbGb Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Ab6/9source

Jazz reharmonization

Abmaj7Ab Major 7

In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).

Ab6/9source

Functional resolution

EbEb Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character

Major, with 6th and 9th

Characteristic interval

6th, 9th

Description

The major 6th and 9th extend a major triad without a 7th, so the chord retains tonic stability.

Application

• Final chord in jazz and bossa nova
• Soul and R&B
• Alternative to plain major

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.