Fmaj9

General info

Full name

F Major 9

Symbol

Fmaj9

Root

F

Quality

Major 9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

IVSubdominant (IV)C major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

BbBb MajorCC MajorDmD Minor

Unstable degrees

7E

1F

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

Fmaj9source

CC Major

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

Other resolutions

Fmaj9source

Deceptive resolution

DmD Minor

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

Fmaj9source

Modal resolution

EbEb Major

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

Fmaj9source

Jazz reharmonization

Fmaj7F 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).

Fmaj9source

Functional resolution

CC 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.