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.
- Cmadd9
- Dbmadd9
- Dmadd9
- Ebmadd9
- Emadd9
- Fmadd9
- F#madd9
- Gmadd9
- Abmadd9
- Amadd9
- Bbmadd9
- Bmadd9
Voicings
Written in C, because that is the key the encyclopedia authors them in; every one transposes unchanged.
Root Position
C · Eb · G · D
beginner
LH C-Eb-G as a minor triad, RH plays D up top. No 7th — keep it pure.
1st Inversion
Eb · G · C · D
intermediate
LH Eb-G, RH C-D. Let the C-D second ring softly — it is the chord's signature shimmer.
Open Spread
C · G · Eb · D
advanced
LH C-G open fifth, RH reaches Eb up to D. Pedal it and let the wide 9th breathe.
Where it turns up
Cinematic and pop-ballad minor sound, ECM-style open minor chords, and intros where you want minor warmth without the bluesy b7. Heard in Brad Mehldau and film-score piano writing.
Commonly swapped with
- A static tonic-minor color, not a true ii or vi function
- Upper structure Eb-G-D reads as Eb major over a C bass