F#m(maj9) chord - F# Minor Major Ninth - guitar chord chart
Welcome to our tutorial on the F# m(maj9) chord. This chord belongs to the Minor Chords family and is composed of the notes F#, A, C#, E#, and G#. The intervals that build this chord are 1, b3, 5, 7, and 9, also known as the Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Seventh, and Major Ninth, respectively.
Understanding the intervals that make up a chord is crucial to mastering the fretboard and creating your own chord voicings. For a deeper understanding of this topic, check out our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals.
The F# m(maj9) chord can be a bit complex for beginners, but don't worry, we're here to guide you through it. This tutorial will include chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones composing the chord. If you're interested in other advanced chords, you might want to check our tutorial about more advanced chords.
Additionally, the F# m(maj9) chord often appears in jazz chord progressions, which frequently use maj7, m7, and 7 chord types. If you're looking to explore jazz progressions further, we recommend our tutorial about jazz chord progressions.
Lastly, if you're curious about the ninth (9) guitar chords, we have a dedicated tutorial about ninth chords that will enhance your knowledge and guitar skills. Happy learning!
Notes of the F# m(maj9) chord:
Chord structure of the Minor Major Ninth chord:
F#m(maj9) Guitar Chord Voicings
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What are the specific notes that make up the F# m(maj9) chord?
The F# m(maj9) chord is composed of the following notes: F# (Root), A (Minor Third), C# (Perfect Fifth), E# (Major Seventh), and G# (Major Ninth).
Why is the F# m(maj9) considered a 'minor' chord if it contains a Major Seventh interval (E#)?
The 'minor' quality of the F# m(maj9) chord is determined by its minor third interval (A from F#). While it does include a Major Seventh (E#), the presence of the minor third establishes its overall minor harmonic character. The 'maj' in the name specifically refers to the quality of the seventh interval.
What do the 'm' and 'maj9' parts of the F# m(maj9) chord name signify?
In the F# m(maj9) chord name, 'm' denotes a minor third interval from the root (making it a minor chord). 'maj9' indicates that the chord contains a Major Seventh and a Major Ninth interval above the root, giving it its specific complex sound.
Why is the note E# used for the Major Seventh in F# m(maj9) instead of F natural?
E# is used to correctly represent the Major Seventh interval from F#. In music theory, intervals are always counted alphabetically. The seventh scale degree of F# is some form of E. To make it a Major Seventh, E# is required, as F natural would create a diminished octave or a minor seventh depending on context, which would alter the chord's quality.
How does the F# m(maj9) chord differ from a standard F# minor 7 (F#m7) chord?
The F# m(maj9) chord includes a Major Seventh (E#) and a Major Ninth (G#), while a standard F#m7 chord would typically feature a minor seventh (E natural) and not necessarily a ninth. The presence of the Major Seventh is the key distinguishing factor in the quality of the seventh interval between these two chords.
In what musical contexts is the F# m(maj9) chord commonly used?
The F# m(maj9) chord frequently appears in jazz chord progressions. Its sophisticated sound, blending minor harmony with the bright Major Seventh and Ninth, makes it a popular choice for adding color and complexity in jazz music, particularly within minor key passages.