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Ninth Chord – Definition
A ninth chord is a chord that extends a seventh chord by adding a ninth above the root.
What is a Ninth Chord?
Ninth chords are built by stacking thirds above the root. A typical dominant ninth chord contains the root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and major ninth. Other common forms include major ninth (maj9) and minor ninth (m9) chords.
Ninth chords are widely used in jazz, pop, soul, R&B, gospel, and many contemporary musical styles because they add richness and harmonic colour.
How is a Ninth Chord used in piano playing?
Pianists frequently use ninth chords in accompaniment and chord voicings. To create a clear, balanced sound, the fifth is often omitted, allowing the third, seventh, and ninth to define the chord’s harmonic character.
Learning ninth chord voicings helps pianists create fuller arrangements and develop a more advanced harmonic vocabulary.