B7b9

Q: What notes are in the B7b9 chord?

The B7b9 chord (B 7b9) contains: B, D#, F#, A, C. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build B7b9 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is B7b9 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for B7b9?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

B 7b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordB majorTriad

ChordB7b9B 7b9

ArpeggioB majorBroken triad

ScaleB major7 notes

KeyB majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: B 7b9
Symbol: B7b9
Root: B
Quality: 7b9

Chord notes

1Broot

3D#major 3rd

5F#perfect 5th

b7Aminor 7th

b2Cminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: EE Major C#mC# Minor
Unstable degrees: 3D#
4E
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6G#
b7A
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1B
b2C
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: B7b9source
EE Major
Dominant 7th B7 naturally resolves up a 4th to E. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: B7b9source
Deceptive resolution
C#mC# Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
B7b9source
Modal resolution
AA Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
B7b9source
Jazz reharmonization
F7F Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: B7 can be replaced by F7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
B7b9source
Functional resolution
Bsus4B Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: F7F Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with minor-9th dissonance
Characteristic interval: Minor 7th (b7), Minor 9th (b9)
Description: The minor 9th forms a compound-semitone dissonance with the root, while the minor 7th preserves dominant function. On V in minor, b9 normally corresponds to scale degree 6 and resolves downward.
Application: V7b9 → i in minor
Flamenco and Latin jazz
Minor jazz cadences

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1B(B4)Bass

root

v2D#(D#5)M3from B

v3F#(F#5)m3from D#

v4A(A5)m3from F#

v5C(C6)m3from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleA Romanian minor ScaleA Ukrainian Dorian ScaleB Phrygian dominant ScaleE Harmonic minor ScaleE Harmonic major ScaleG Harmonic major ScaleC Diminished scale ScaleD# Diminished scale ScaleF# Diminished scale ScaleA Diminished scale

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how B7b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: G#mG# minor
Dominant: F#F# major
Subdominant: EE major
Key signature: 5 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)

What to learn next

ScaleB Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

B Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the B7b9 chord?

How do I build B7b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is B7b9 found in?

What can I substitute for B7b9?