Em6/9

General info

Full name

E Minor 6/9

Symbol

Em6/9

Root

E

Quality

Minor 6/9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiSubdominant (ii)D major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

BB MajorAmA MinorDD Major

Main resolution

Em6/9source

BB Major

Minor chord Em is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Em6/9source

Deceptive resolution

CC Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Em6/9source

Modal resolution

DD Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Em6/9source

Jazz reharmonization

A7A 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.

Em6/9source

Functional resolution

AA Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character

Minor, with 6th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), 6th, 9th

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the major 6th and 9th extend the triad without a 7th.

Application

• Final minor chord in jazz
• Neo-soul and funk
• Substitute for plain minor

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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