9th chord

Definition

A 9th chord is an extended chord that adds the ninth note of a scale to a seventh chord, creating a richer and more complex harmonic structure. It typically includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth degrees of a scale, which can provide additional color and tension to musical progressions. Understanding 9th chords is essential for recognizing how they expand upon triads and seventh chords, and how they can be altered to create varied musical expressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 9th chords can be classified into major 9th, minor 9th, and dominant 9th chords, each having its unique tonal quality and function in music.
2. The ninth note added in a 9th chord can be either a whole step or a flat ninth (b9), which creates different emotional effects within a progression.
3. In jazz and popular music, 9th chords are often used to create smooth transitions between chords due to their rich harmonic texture.
4. A 9th chord can also be used as a substitute for a basic triad or seventh chord in many progressions, providing additional depth without drastically changing the structure.
5. Understanding the context of where and how to use 9th chords can enhance improvisation skills and compositional techniques in various musical styles.

Review Questions

• How do 9th chords build upon the foundation of triads and seventh chords?
  • 9th chords extend the harmonic possibilities of triads and seventh chords by adding an additional tone—the ninth degree of the scale. This addition enriches the existing harmony by introducing more complexity and color. Triads consist of three notes, while seventh chords add one more for four total. By layering on the ninth degree, musicians can create more tension and resolution in their progressions, thereby enhancing musical expression.
• What are the differences between major 9th, minor 9th, and dominant 9th chords regarding their structure and emotional impact?
  • Major 9th chords are built from a major triad plus a major seventh and a major ninth, resulting in a bright and uplifting sound. Minor 9th chords contain a minor triad with a minor seventh and a major ninth, creating a more somber and introspective tone. Dominant 9th chords consist of a major triad with a minor seventh and a major ninth; they have a strong tension that often resolves to tonic chords. Each type of 9th chord serves different roles in music composition and can evoke varied emotional responses.
• Evaluate how altered tones in 9th chords affect their function in jazz music compared to classical music.
  • In jazz music, altered tones in 9th chords—such as flatted or sharped ninths—are commonly used to introduce tension that resolves effectively in progressions. This creates an expressive element that is fundamental to jazz improvisation. In contrast, classical music typically adheres to more traditional structures without frequent alterations to chord tones. As such, altered 9th chords may be used sparingly or in specific contexts within classical compositions, primarily serving as transitional devices rather than focal points like in jazz.

Related terms

Seventh chord: A chord consisting of a root note, third, fifth, and seventh degrees of a scale, often used as a building block for more complex chords.

Chord extension: The process of adding extra tones to a basic chord, such as 9ths, 11ths, or 13ths, to create a more intricate sound.

Altered chord: A chord that has had one or more of its tones modified, commonly seen in jazz music to create tension and resolve in harmonic progressions.