F#m9

General info

Full name

F# Minor 9

Symbol

F#m9

Root

F#

Quality

Minor 9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiSubdominant (ii)E major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

C#C# MajorBmB MinorEE Major

Unstable degrees

4B

b7E

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

F#m9source

C#C# Major

Minor chord F#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

F#m9source

Deceptive resolution

DD Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

F#m9source

Modal resolution

EE Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

F#m9source

Jazz reharmonization

B7B 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.

F#m9source

Functional resolution

BB Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character

Minor, with a minor 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), 9th

Description

The minor 3rd and minor 7th form m7, while the major 9th adds a diatonic extension. The chord is denser than m7 but retains minor quality.

Application

• ii9 in major
• Minor tonic in jazz
• Neo-soul and R&B

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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