C7b9 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of C7b9 in Root Position

A C7b9 chord is an altered dominant seventh chord that is built upon the key of C. This chord consists of the root C, the major third E, the perfect fifth G, the minor seventh Bb, and the minor ninth Db. The C7b9 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 a C7b9

To play a C7b9 chord, you can use the following voicing: start by playing the root note C with your left hand. Then, with your right hand, play the notes E (major 3rd), Bb (minor 7th), and Db (flat 9th).

C + E, Bb, Db

This approach will result in a simplified C7b9 chord that includes only the essential notes: the root note, major 3rd, minor 7th, and minor 9th.

 

C7b9 Chord Equivalencies

When you remove the root note from a 7b9 chord, it becomes a diminished 7th chord. In the case of a C7b9 chord, if you remove the root note C, you’re left with the notes E, G, Bb, and Db, which are equivalent to an Edim7 chord.

C7b9 without root = Edim7

E dim7 = G dim7 = Bb dim7 = Db dim7

Diminished 7th chords have a unique quality where each inversion is another diminished 7th chord. So, Edim7 is enharmonically equivalent to Gdim7, Bbdim7, and Dbdim7. Therefore, even if you remove the root note from a C7b9 chord, it is still enharmonically equivalent to all of these chords.

C7b9 Chord Inversions

 

The C7b9 chord has a total of 4 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

Chord Inversions on Piano

Understanding chord inversions is crucial for music theory, as it reveals how chords are constructed. When playing chord inversions on a piano, it’s important to remember that the charts showing the order of notes may not always be playable.

To properly voice chords on a piano, the notes must be spread across various octaves and positions on the keyboard. This often means deviating from the standard shape of the chord’s inversions, as shown in charts. 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 maintaining its intended harmonic function and sound.

Chord inversion charts can help understand the structure and sequence of notes in a chord, but it’s important to be flexible and adaptable when playing them on the piano. With practice, you can find your own unique voicings and develop a personal style that suits your playing needs.

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Music Theory and Harmony of C7b9

 

The C7b9 chord can replace or enhance the C7 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 vibe, so it should be used carefully in the appropriate musical context.

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

 

Building the C7b9 Chord: Different Approaches

 

Starting from the C Major Scale:

To form a 7b9 chord, you combine the root, the major 3rd, the 5th, the minor 7th, and the flat 9th from a major scale.

To build a C7b9, you can start with the C Major scale:

 

 

To create a C7b9 chord, apply the formula R, 3, 5, m7, m9 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is C.
2. Select the major 3rd interval, which is E, and add it to the chord.
3. Add the 5th interval, which is G.
4. Add the minor 7th interval, Bb.
5. Finally, select the 9th and subtract a half tone to get the minor 9th, Db.

By following this simple formula, you can create a 7b9 chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals:

One method to create a 7b9 chord is by combining specific intervals – a major 3rd, a minor 3rd, and another minor 3rd.

3 + m3 + m3 + m3 = 7b9 chords

For example, to build a C7b9 chord:

• we start with the root note C.
• We then add a major 3rd interval, which is four half-steps up from the root, to get E.
• Next, we add a minor 3rd interval, which is three half-steps up from E, to get G.
• Then, we add another minor 3rd so we find the minor 7th Bb
• and lastly, we add a minor 3rd  interval from Bb, to get Db.

Together, these intervals form the C7b9 chord.

 

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by Combining Chords

Another way to build a 7b9 chord is by combining a major triad with a diminished triad derived from its 5th.

To build a C7b9 chord, you can blend a C Major triad (C, E, G) with a G diminished chord (G, Bb, Db). The G note is shared between the two chords.

C Major + G dim = C7b9

 

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How to Use C7b9 in a Chord Progression

 

The C7b9 can work as a substitute or as a passing chord to a C7 that can be found in major and natural minor scales. The 7b9 chord is considered a non-diatonic chord, which means that it contains notes that are not found in either the major or minor scales.

 

Most common uses of C7b9

C7b9 in F Major and F minor

The C7b9 chord is commonly used as a dominant chord. In the key of F major, the C7b9 chord can be used as the V7 chord, which leads back to the I chord (F major).

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

 

C7b9 as Substitute of Cm7

The C7 chord derived from the harmonic minor scale is commonly used to replace a Cm7 chord in the key of F minor. In some cases, the C7b9 chord can also be used instead of the C7 chord, further enhancing the harmonic tension and leading to the Fm7 chord.

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

 

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C7b9 in a I – III7 Progression

The C7b9 chord is often used as a substitution for the III degree in an I – III7 chord progression, which traditionally features a C minor chord. This chord progression, represented by the chords Ab Maj7 and C7, can accommodate the C7b9 chord in place of the expected C minor chord. The C7b9 chord provides a dissonant augmented triad that offers a unique flavor to the progression.

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Mediant chord in Ab Major

 

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C7b9 in D minor

While the C7b9 chord can be used in the key of D natural minor, it may not be the most common use of this chord. In fact, the resolution to D minor may be less strong than F major or F minor.

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

 

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C7b9 as Substitute of a Secondary Dominant 7th chord

A secondary dominant is a chord that doesn’t belong to the main key of a musical piece but is used to create a strong pull toward another chord that does. In Western music, the fifth scale degree has a dominant function and generates tension that resolves to the first scale degree chord (I). A secondary dominant chord is used to create the same dominant function but towards a different chord, resulting in a brief departure from the main key.

For instance, in the key of Bb major, F7 is the V chord and resolves to the I chord (Bb Maj7). To create a secondary dominant, another chord is added between Bb Maj7 and F7, which creates a powerful pull towards F7. In this scenario, incorporating a C7 generates a pull towards F7 since C7 is the V chord in the key of F.

| Bb Maj7 | F7 |

⇒

| Bb Maj7 | C7 | F7 |

 

Instead of using a regular C7 chord, you can also use the C7b9 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 musical result.

| Bb Maj7 | F7 |

⇒

| Bb Maj7 | C7/C7b9 | F7 |

 

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C7b9 as Dominant Chord in F Major

In the key of F major, the dominant chord is C7. However, this chord can be substituted or paired with a C7b9 chord for a more complex and interesting sound. Let’s explore how this can be done.

 

C7b9 Chord Progressions as V degree

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how C7b9 functions near the dominant chord. Most of the time, I like to use it followed by a C7 or preceded by a C7#9 but feel free to experiment.

ii V I

 

I IV vi V

 

 I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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C7b9 as Dominant Chord in F minor

In addition to its use as the dominant chord in the key of F major, the C7 chord can also be found on the V degree of the F melodic and harmonic minor scales. This chord is frequently used in combination with chords built on the natural minor scale, or it can even replace the Cm7 chord. In certain musical contexts, a C7b9 chord can be used as a substitute for the C7 chord in this position, adding a unique and complex sound to the music.

 

C7b9 as V degree on Minor Scale – Chord Progressions

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how C7b9 functions as the subdominant (V degree) in the key of F minor.

ii V⁷ i

 

i iv V⁷

 

i iv VI V⁷

 

Circle Progression

 

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C7b9 as III7 Degree in Ab Major

The C7b9 chord can also be used as a variation for the iii chord in the key of Ab major. This is a common substitution in music where a dominant chord is used instead of a minor chord. In this case, the C7b9 chord is played in place of the minor chord on the iii degree of the Ab major scale.

 

C7b9 as III7 degree – Chord Progressions

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how C7b9 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