Ebaug9

Eb Aug 9

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
Eb Aug 9
Symbol
Ebaug9
Root
Eb
Quality
Aug 9

Chord notes

1Ebroot
3Gmajor 3rd
#5Baug 5th
b7Dbminor 7th
2Fmajor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension
High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
3G
4Ab
resolves up to the resolution tonic
#5B
6C
resolves up to the tonic 3rd
6C
b7Db
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution
Ebaug9source
AbAb Major
Dominant 7th Eb7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Ab. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions
Ebaug9source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Ebaug9source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Ebaug9source
Jazz reharmonization
A7A Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: Eb7 can be replaced by A7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Ebaug9source
Functional resolution
Ebsus4Eb 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

Features

Character
Dominant, with 9th and augmented 5th
Characteristic interval
Augmented 5th (#5), 9th
Description
The augmented 5th destabilises the triadic core, the minor 7th preserves dominant function, and the major 9th extends the chord. The #5 alteration intensifies chromatic voice leading.
Application
  • V+ → I in jazz
  • Altered blues
  • Passing chords

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Eb(Eb4)Bass
root
v2G(G4)M3from Eb
v3B(B4)M3from G
v4Db(Db5)M2from B
v5F(F5)M3from Db

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Ebaug9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmEbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions