Fm6/9

F Minor 6/9

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
F Minor 6/9
Symbol
Fm6/9
Root
F
Quality
Minor 6/9

Chord notes

1Froot
b3Abminor 3rd
5Cperfect 5th
6Dmajor 6th
2Gmajor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
iiSubdominant (ii)Eb major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions
Main resolution
Fm6/9source
CC Major
Minor chord Fm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions
Fm6/9source
Deceptive resolution
DbDb Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Fm6/9source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Fm6/9source
Jazz reharmonization
Bb7Bb 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.
Fm6/9source
Functional resolution
BbBb Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character
Minor, with 6th and 9th
Characteristic interval
Minor third (m3), 6th, 9th
Description
The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the major 6th and 9th extend the triad without a 7th.
Application
  • Final minor chord in jazz
  • Neo-soul and funk
  • Substitute for plain minor

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1F(F4)Bass
root
v2Ab(Ab4)m3from F
v3C(C5)M3from Ab
v4D(D5)M2from C
v5G(G5)P4from D

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Fm6/9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmFmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
1 flat (Bb)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions