E7#9 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of E7#9 in Root Position

An E7#9 chord is an altered dominant seventh chord that is built upon the key of E. This chord consists of the root E, the major third G#, the perfect fifth B, the minor seventh D, and the sharp ninth F_x. The E7#9 chord can be used as a substitute for dominant chords only in specific musical contexts. Keep reading to learn more about the music theory that underpins this chord.

 

How to play an E7#9

To play an E7#9 chord, you can use the following voicing: start by playing the root note E with your left hand. Then, with your right hand, play the notes G# (major 3rd), D (minor 7th), and F_x (natural G, the sharp 9th).

E + G#, D, F_x

This approach will result in a simplified E7#9 chord that includes only the essential notes: the root note, major 3rd, minor 7th, and sharp 9th.

 

E7#9 Chord Inversions

 

The E7#9 chord has a total of 4 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

Chord Inversions on Piano

Having a solid understanding of chord inversions is a crucial element of music theory since it sheds light on how chords are constructed. When it comes to playing chord inversions on a piano, it’s essential to keep in mind that the charts and graphs depicting the order of notes may not always be feasible or even playable.

To achieve the proper chord voicings on a piano, you must spread the chord notes across various octaves and positions on the keyboard. This often entails deviating from the typical shape of the chord’s inversions shown in charts, which may not be the most practical or comfortable way to play the chord.

While chord inversion charts can help understand the structure and sequence of notes in a chord, it’s always a good idea to experiment with different voicings and fingerings to find the most efficient and comfortable way to play the chord, while still preserving its intended harmonic function and sound.

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Music Theory and Harmony of E7#9

 

Dominant 7#9 chords are often referred to as the “Hendrix chord” due to their prominent use in songs like “Voodoo Child“, “Foxy Lady“, and “Purple Haze“. If you know these songs, then you can easily recall the distinct sound and mood of the 7#9 chord.

The E7#9 chord can replace or enhance the E7 chord, typically on the V degree, but also on the III degree, and occasionally on other degrees as a secondary dominant chord. However, it has a distinct funky vibe, so it should be used carefully in the appropriate musical context.

Before delving into the most frequent usage of this chord, let’s first understand how to construct it.

 

Building the E7#9 Chord: Different Approaches

 

Starting from the E Major Scale:

To form a 7#9 chord, you combine the root, the major 3rd, the 5th, the minor 7th, and the sharp 9th from a major scale.

 

 

To create an E7#9 chord, apply the formula R, 3, 5, m7, #9 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is E.
2. Select the major 3rd interval, which is G#, and add it to the chord.
3. Add the 5th interval, which is B.
4. Add the minor 7th interval, D.
5. Finally, select the 9th, F#, and add a half tone to get the #9th, F_x (G).

By following this simple formula, you can create a 7#9 chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals:

One method to create a 7#9 chord is by combining specific intervals – a major 3rd, a minor 3rd, and a perfect 4th.

3 + m3 + m3 + 4 = 7#9 Chords

For example, to build an E7#9 chord:

• we start with the root note E.
• We then add a major 3rd interval, which is four half-steps up from the root, to get G#.
• Next, we add a minor 3rd interval, which is three half-steps up from G#, to get B.
• Then, we add another minor 3rd so we find the minor 7th D and
• lastly, we add a perfect 4th interval, which is five half-steps up from D, to get G (F_x).

Together, these intervals form the E7#9 chord.

 

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How to Use E7#9 in a Chord Progression

 

The E7#9 can work as a substitute or as a passing chord to an E7 that can be found in major and natural minor scales. The 7#9 chord is considered a non-diatonic chord, which means that it contains notes that are not found in either the major or minor scales. Its unique sound is achieved by adding a sharp 9th interval (which is equivalent to a minor 3rd at the higher octave) to the dominant 7th chord, creating a dissonant yet interesting tonal color.

Most common uses of E7#9

 

E7#9 in A Major and A minor

The E7#9 chord is commonly used as a dominant chord. In the key of A major, the E7#9 chord can be used as the V7 chord, which leads back to the I chord (A major).

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Dominant chord in A Major

 

E7#9 as Substitute for E min7

The E7 chord derived from the harmonic minor scale is commonly used to replace an E min7 chord in the key of A minor. In some cases, the E7#9 chord can also be used instead of the E7 chord, further enhancing the harmonic tension and leading to the A min7 chord.

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Dominant chord in A minor

 

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E7#9 in a I – III7 Progression

The E7#9 chord is often used as a substitution for the III degree in an I – III7 chord progression, which traditionally features an E minor chord. This chord progression, represented by the chords C Maj7 and E7, can accommodate the E7#9 chord in place of the expected E minor chord.

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Mediant chord in B# Major

 

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E7#9 in F# minor

While the E7#9 chord can be used in the key of F# minor, it may not be the most common use of this chord. In fact, the resolution to F# minor may be less strong than A major or A minor.

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Leading Tone chord in F# minor (less common)

 

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E7#9 as Substitute for a Secondary Dominant 7th chord

A secondary dominant is a type of chord that is not in the main key of a musical piece but is used to create a strong pull towards another chord that is. In Western music, the fifth scale degree has a strong “dominant” function and creates tension that resolves to the first scale degree chord (I). A secondary dominant chord is used to create this same dominant function but towards a different chord, leading to a temporary departure from the main key.

For example, in the key of D major, the chord of A7 is the V chord and leads back to the I chord of D Maj7. Adding another chord between D Maj7 and A7 that creates a strong pull towards A7 creates a secondary dominant chord. In this case, using an E7 chord creates a pull towards A7, as E7 is the V chord in the key of A.

| D Maj7 | A7 |

⇒

| D Maj7 | E7 | A7 |

Instead of using a regular E7 chord, you can also use the E7#9 chord in place of or together with it. This substitution or addition can add more tension and complexity to the progression, leading to a more interesting and dynamic result.

| D Maj7 | A7 |

⇒

| D Maj7 | E7/E7#9 | A7 |

 

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E7#9 Chord Function in Major and Minor Keys

 

E7#9 as Dominant Chord in A Major

In the key of A major, the E7 chord would be the dominant chord. The E7 chord can be coupled or substituted by an E7#9, let’s see how:

 

E7#9 Chord Progressions as V degree

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how E7#9 functions near the dominant chord. I like to use it followed by an E7b9 but feel free to experiment.

ii V I

 

I IV vi V

 

 I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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E7#9 as Dominant Chord in A minor

E7 can be found also on the V degree of the A melodic and harmonic minor scales. It’s very common to use this chord in combination with chords built on the natural minor scale or to substitute it for the E min7 chord that is present in the natural minor scale. In some context, we could use an E7#9 instead of an E7 in this position.

 

E7#9 as V degree on Minor Scale – Chord Progressions

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how E7#9 functions as the subdominant (V degree) in the key of A minor.

ii V⁷ i

 

i iv V⁷

 

i iv VI V⁷

 

Circle Progression

 

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E7#9 as III7 Degree in C Major

This is a very common substitution of dominant chords in place of minor chords. In the case of E7, we are in C major since the minor chord we are going to substitute is on the iii degree of the scale:

 

E7#9 as III7 degree – Chord Progressions

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how E7#9 functions in this position. To understand why this substitution is possible, I suggest checking out some of the posts related to dominant 7th chords. There are different interpretations of this substitution, so it can be helpful to explore them to fully understand its potential use.

 

I III⁷ vi

 

I III⁷ VI⁷ ii

 

I III⁷ IV VI⁷ ii V iii/biii^ø ii/V

 

“All of me” Progression