B7b9#5

Q: What notes are in the B7b9#5 chord?

The B7b9#5 chord (B 7b9#5) contains: B, D#, G, A, C. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build B7b9#5 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#5 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#5?

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#5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordBaugTriad

ChordB7b9#5B 7b9#5

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#5
Symbol: B7b9#5
Root: B
Quality: 7b9#5

Chord notes

1Broot

3D#major 3rd

#5Gaug 5th

b7Aminor 7th

b2Cminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: EE Major F#F# Major G#mG# Minor
Unstable degrees: #5G
6G#
resolves up to the 6th
4E
b7A
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: B7b9#5source
F#F# Major
Major chord B is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: B7b9#5source
Deceptive resolution
G#mG# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
B7b9#5source
Modal resolution
AA Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
B7b9#5source
Jazz reharmonization
Bmaj7B 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).
B7b9#5source
Functional resolution
F#F# Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: F7F Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with b9 and #5
Characteristic interval: Augmented 5th (#5), Minor 9th (b9)
Description: The augmented 5th and minor 9th alter two tones of a dominant seventh chord. Both allow semitone voice leading into the next chord, giving the sonority sharp, directed tension.
Application: Jazz cadences V → i
Altered dominant
Harmonic minor

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1B(B4)Bass

root

v2D#(D#5)M3from B

v3G(G5)M3from D#

v4A(A5)M2from G

v5C(C6)m3from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Melodic minor ScaleC Neapolitan major ScaleD# Lydian augmented ScaleG Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleG Harmonic major ScaleA Romanian minor ScaleA Ukrainian Dorian ScaleB Enigmatic scale ScaleB Phrygian dominant ScaleB Altered (super Locrian)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how B7b9#5 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

B Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

B Altered (super Locrian)A scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the B7b9#5 chord?

How do I build B7b9#5 on the keyboard?

Which keys is B7b9#5 found in?

What can I substitute for B7b9#5?