F7b9

Q: What notes are in the F7b9 chord?

The F7b9 chord (F 7b9) contains: F, A, C, Eb, Gb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build F7b9 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 F7b9 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 F7b9?

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.

F 7b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF majorTriad

ChordF7b9F 7b9

ArpeggioF majorBroken triad

ScaleF major7 notes

KeyF majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: F 7b9
Symbol: F7b9
Root: F
Quality: 7b9

Chord notes

1Froot

3Amajor 3rd

5Cperfect 5th

b7Ebminor 7th

b2Gbminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major GmG Minor
Unstable degrees: 3A
4Bb
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6D
b7Eb
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1F
b2Gb
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: F7b9source
BbBb Major
Dominant 7th F7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Bb. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: F7b9source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
F7b9source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
F7b9source
Jazz reharmonization
B7B Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: F7 can be replaced by B7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
F7b9source
Functional resolution
Fsus4F 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: B7B 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

v1F(F4)Bass

root

v2A(A4)M3from F

v3C(C5)m3from A

v4Eb(Eb5)m3from C

v5Gb(Gb5)m3from Eb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F7b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: DmD minor
Dominant: CC major
Subdominant: BbBb major
Key signature: 1 flat (Bb)

What to learn next

ScaleF 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

F 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 F7b9 chord?

How do I build F7b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is F7b9 found in?

What can I substitute for F7b9?