Ebmaj9

General info

Full name

Eb Major 9

Symbol

Ebmaj9

Root

Eb

Quality

Major 9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

ITonic (I)Eb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

AbAb MajorBbBb MajorCmC Minor

Unstable degrees

7D

1Eb

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

Ebmaj9source

BbBb Major

Major chord Eb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Ebmaj9source

Deceptive resolution

CmC Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Ebmaj9source

Modal resolution

DbDb Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Ebmaj9source

Jazz reharmonization

Ebmaj7Eb Major 7

In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).

Ebmaj9source

Functional resolution

BbBb Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character

Major, with a major 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Major 7th (M7), 9th

Description

The major 7th creates semitone tension toward the octave, while the major 9th extends the major seventh chord. Separating extensions by register clarifies the structure.

Application

• Tonic Imaj9
• Neo-soul and jazz
• Sustained chordal textures

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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