Em9

General info

Full name

E Minor 9

Symbol

Em9

Root

E

Quality

Minor 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

Unstable degrees

4A

b7D

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Em9source

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

Em9source

Deceptive resolution

CC Major

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

Em9source

Modal resolution

DD Major

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

Em9source

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.

Em9source

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 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

Harmony

Compatible scales

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