Dominant

Dominant ninth chords

Dominant 7th with added 9th: C-E-G-Bb-D. Formula: 1-3-5-b7-9

In every key

The same shape, moved. The symbols below are spelled the way the app spells them, which is the spelling the chord's own scale asks for rather than whichever accidental is easier to type.

  • C9
  • Db9
  • D9
  • Eb9
  • E9
  • F9
  • F#9
  • G9
  • Ab9
  • A9
  • Bb9
  • B9

Voicings

Written in C, because that is the key the encyclopedia authors them in; every one transposes unchanged.

Root Position (no 5th)

C · E · Bb · D

intermediate

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Rootless

E · Bb · D · G

intermediate

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Modern Jazz

D · E · Bb · C

advanced

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Rootless (9-3-5-b7)

D · E · G · Bb

intermediate

RH 1-2-3-5; keep the D-E semitone-ninth relaxed, no tension.

Four-Way Close (rootless)

E · G · Bb · D · G

intermediate

LH E-G, RH Bb-D-G; let the bassist own the root. Top G is the melody, hands move in parallel.

Barry Harris Diminished Passing Cluster

C · E · Bb · D · Eb

advanced

LH C-E, RH Bb-D-Eb; let the close D/Eb grind. Resolve Eb down to D as the block slides to the next chord tone.

Upper Structure II (9-#11-13)

D · F# · A

intermediate

RH 1-2-4 on D-F#-A; LH can plant C-E-Bb shell below if comping.

Where it turns up

Richer dominant sound. Common in jazz standards. The 9th adds color without losing dominant function.

Commonly swapped with

  • C7
  • C13
  • C7#9

Progressions that use it

Every one of these is written out with the hands on a keyboard and on a stave.