F9

Q: What notes are in the F9 chord?

The F9 chord (F 9th) contains: F, A, C, Eb, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build F9 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 F9 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 F9?

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 9th

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF majorTriad

ChordF9F 9th

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 9th
Symbol: F9
Root: F
Quality: 9th

Chord notes

1Froot

3Amajor 3rd

5Cperfect 5th

b7Ebminor 7th

2Gmajor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)Bb major
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
Main resolution: F9source
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: F9source
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.
F9source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
F9source
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.
F9source
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 a minor 7th and major 9th
Characteristic interval: 9th
Description: The major 3rd and minor 7th form a dominant core, while the major 9th adds a diatonic extension. The dominant tritone preserves directed tension toward resolution.
Application: V9–I in jazz
Funk and soul
Blues harmony

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1F(F4)Bass

root

v2A(A4)M3from F

v3C(C5)m3from A

v4Eb(Eb5)m3from C

v5G(G5)M3from Eb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Dorian ScaleC Melodic minor ScaleC Neapolitan major ScaleD# Lydian ScaleD# Lydian augmented ScaleF Mixolydian ScaleF Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleG Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleG Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleA Locrian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F9 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 MixolydianScale to improvise over this chord ChordF Dominant 7A nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordF Major 9Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

F Dominant 7A chord that sounds close

F Major 9A chord that sounds close

F Minor 9A chord that sounds close

F MixolydianA scale related to this chord

F Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the F9 chord?

How do I build F9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is F9 found in?

What can I substitute for F9?

F9