E7b9

Q: What notes are in the E7b9 chord?

The E7b9 chord (E 7b9) contains: E, G#, B, D, F. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build E7b9 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 E7b9 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 E7b9?

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.

E 7b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordE majorTriad

ChordE7b9E 7b9

ArpeggioE majorBroken triad

ScaleE major7 notes

KeyE majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: E 7b9
Symbol: E7b9
Root: E
Quality: 7b9

Chord notes

1Eroot

3G#major 3rd

5Bperfect 5th

b7Dminor 7th

b2Fminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: AA Major F#mF# Minor
Unstable degrees: 3G#
4A
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6C#
b7D
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1E
b2F
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: E7b9source
AA Major
Dominant 7th E7 naturally resolves up a 4th to A. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: E7b9source
Deceptive resolution
F#mF# Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
E7b9source
Modal resolution
DD Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
E7b9source
Jazz reharmonization
A#7A# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: E7 can be replaced by A#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
E7b9source
Functional resolution
Esus4E 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: Bb7Bb 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

v1E(E4)Bass

root

v2G#(G#4)M3from E

v3B(B4)m3from G#

v4D(D5)m3from B

v5F(F5)m3from D

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Romanian minor ScaleD Ukrainian Dorian ScaleE Phrygian dominant ScaleC Harmonic major ScaleA Harmonic minor ScaleA Harmonic major ScaleD Diminished scale ScaleE Diminished (half–whole)ScaleF Diminished scale ScaleG# Diminished scale

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how E7b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: C#mC# minor
Dominant: BB major
Subdominant: AA major
Key signature: 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)

What to learn next

ScaleE 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

E Chromatic scaleA 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 E7b9 chord?

How do I build E7b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is E7b9 found in?

What can I substitute for E7b9?