Bm9

Q: What notes are in the Bm9 chord?

The Bm9 chord (B Minor 9) contains: B, D, F#, A, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Bm9 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 Bm9 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 Bm9?

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 Minor 9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordB minorTriad

ChordBm9B Minor 9

ArpeggioB minorBroken triad

ScaleB minor7 notes

KeyB minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: B Minor 9
Symbol: Bm9
Root: B
Quality: Minor 9

Chord notes

1Broot

b3Dminor 3rd

5F#perfect 5th

b7Aminor 7th

2C#major 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: viRelative tonic (vi)D major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: F#F# Major EmE Minor AA Major
Unstable degrees: 4E
b7A
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Bm9source
F#F# Major
Minor chord Bm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: Bm9source
Deceptive resolution
GG Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Bm9source
Modal resolution
AA Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Bm9source
Jazz reharmonization
E7E Dominant 7
In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.
Bm9source
Functional resolution
EE Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character: Minor, with a minor 7th and 9th
Characteristic interval: Minor third (m3), 9th
Description: The minor 3rd and minor 7th form m7, while the major 9th adds a diatonic extension. The chord is denser than m7 but retains minor quality.
Application: ii9 in major
Minor tonic in jazz
Neo-soul and R&B

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1B(B4)Bass

root

v2D(D5)m3from B

v3F#(F#5)M3from D

v4A(A5)m3from F#

v5C#(C#6)M3from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Phrygian ScaleC# Locrian ScaleC# Phrygian dominant ScaleD Ionian (major)ScaleD Lydian ScaleF# Phrygian ScaleF# Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleF# Harmonic minor ScaleF# Neapolitan minor ScaleA Ionian (major)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Bm9 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 DorianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

B DorianA scale related to this chord

B Aeolian (natural minor)A scale related to this chord

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 Bm9 chord?

How do I build Bm9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Bm9 found in?

What can I substitute for Bm9?

Bm9