GbmMaj9 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of GbmMaj9 in Root Position

The GbmMaj9 chord, consisting of the notes Gb, Bbb, Db, F, and Ab, is a minor chord that is built on the key of Gb and features an additional major 7th (F) and a major 9th (Ab). Like the GbmMaj7, it contains an augmented fifth so it’s pretty dissonant. In this article, we’ll explore the music theory underlying the GbmMaj9 chord, including its construction, common voicings, and its role in chord progressions.

 

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GbmMaj9 Chord Inversions

 

The GbmMaj9 chord has a total of 4 inversions:

Piano Keyboard Diagrams

Chord Inversions on Piano

Chord inversion diagrams provide a visual representation of a chord’s structure and the different positions it can take on the keyboard. However, it’s important to note that not all of these positions are practical or comfortable to play. To effectively play chords on the piano, it’s essential to study voicing – the specific arrangement of notes in a chord, including their octave placement and distribution across the keyboard.

By experimenting with different voicings and fingerings, pianists can find the most comfortable and efficient way to play each chord while still preserving its intended sound and harmonic function. This can involve playing some notes of the chord in higher or lower octaves or breaking up the chord into smaller intervals to create a smoother and more balanced sound.

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Music Theory and Harmony of GbmMaj9

 

Building the GbmMaj9 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the Gb Major Scale

A minor major 9th chord is built by combining the Root, a minor 3rd, a 5th, a major 7th, and a major 9th interval from a minor scale, however, for educational purposes, it may be clearer to demonstrate its construction using a major scale, as it better illustrates the relationship between intervals and their qualities.

For example, to build a GbmMaj9 chord, you can start with the Gb Major scale:

 

 

 

To create a GbmMaj9 chord, apply the formula R, m3, 5, 7, 9 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is Gb.
2. Add the minor 3rd interval, Bbb (which is equivalent to a natural A but we’ll call it Bbb – “B double flat” – to preserve the basic interval structure of the chord).
3. Include the 5th note, which is Db.
4. Add the major 7th F.
5. Finally, add the major 9th interval Ab, which is the 9th note of the scale.

By following this simple formula, you can create a minor major 9th chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals

Another way to build a minor major 9th chord is by combining specific intervals – a minor 3rd, a major 3rd, another major 3rd, and a minor 3rd.

m3 + 3 + 3 + m3 = minor major 9th chords

If we observe the intervals between the notes, we can notice that:

• Gb-A (Bbb) creates a minor 3rd,
• Bbb-Db forms a major 3rd interval,
• Db-F is a major 3rd
• and F-Ab is a minor 3rd interval.

By stacking these four intervals together, we can build the GbmMaj9 chord.

 

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by Combining Chords

Another trick to build a minMaj9 chord is by combining a minor triad with the major chord built on its fifth note. To create a GbmMaj9 chord, for instance, you can combine a Gb minor triad (Gb, Bbb, Db) with a Db Major chord (Db, F, Ab). These two chords share the note Db, and when played together, they form a GbmMaj9 chord.

Gb minor + Db Major = GbmMaj9

 

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How to Use GbmMaj9 in a Chord Progression

 

The GbmMaj9 chord is a fuller and more dissonant version of the GbmMaj7. It is characterized by the presence of a major 7th interval, which is not found in either the natural minor or major scales. It’s diatonic in other scales like the harmonic and melodic minor scale, which features a minor major seventh chord on their first degree.

 

Most common uses of GbmMaj9

Both the GbmMaj7 and the GbmMaj9 chords are used as passing chords, temporarily transitioning towards a more stable Gbm7. Additionally, they can serve as ending chords in specific musical contexts. This is because both chords produce a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere, making them suitable for certain musical styles and compositions.

 

Non-diatonic positions in Natural minor and Major Scales

The major seventh interval of the GbmMaj9 chord, which is F, clashes with the E note present in both natural minor and major scales.

• The GbmMaj9 chord is used in the first degree of minor scales or on the sixth degree of major scales, as part of a chromatic progression towards a minor 7th chord.
• It can also be used on the fourth degree of minor scales and on the second degree of major scales.
• While less common, it can still be used on the fifth degree of both minor and major scales.
• The GbmMaj9 chord is not commonly used as a standalone chord (except in endings).

Considering the abundance of accidentals in keys featuring a Gbmin7 chord that can accommodate a GbmMaj9, it is more convenient to use the enharmonic equivalent keys and refer to it as F#mMaj9.

on Natural minor Scales

Non diatonic passing chord to the:

• Tonic chord in F# minor as F#mMaj9
• Subdominant chord in C# minor as F#mMaj9
• Dominant chord in B minor (less common) as F#mMaj9

 

on Major Scales

Non diatonic passing chord to the:

• Supertonic chord in E Major as F#mMaj9
• Mediant chord in D Major (less common) as F#mMaj9
• Submediant chord in A Major as F#mMaj9

 

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GbmMaj9 as Passing Chord in Gb minor

Check F#mMaj9 in F# minor

 

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GbmMaj9 as Passing Chord in Db minor

Check F#mMaj9 in C# minor

 

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GbmMaj9 as Passing Chord in Cb minor

Check F#mMaj9 in B minor

 

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GbmMaj9 as Passing Chord in Fb Major

Check F#mMaj9 in E Major

 

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GbmMaj9 as Passing Chord in Ebb Major

Check F#mMaj9 in D Major

 

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GbmMaj9 as Passing Chord in Bbb Major

Check F#mMaj9 in A Major

 

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Alternative Names for GbmMaj9 Chord

• Gb-Δ9
• Gb mM9
• Gb m(Δ9)
• Gb-Δmaj9
• Gb minΔ9
• Gb-(Maj9)
• Gb mM7/9
• Gb m7+(9)
• Gb-Δ(add9)
• Gb minorΔ9
• Gb mΔ add2
• Gb mΔ add9
• Gb min maj9
• Gb min/maj9
• Gb min(Maj9)
• Gb min(Maj9)
• Gb m(maj7/9)
• Gb m(+7) add2
• Gb m(+7) add9
• Gb minor(Maj9)
• Gb m(maj7) add9
• Gb m(maj7) add2
• Gb minor major 9
• Gb minor major 9th

 

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