F9(#5) Guitar Chords Explained | F Dominant Ninth Sharp Fifth
Welcome to our tutorial about the F 9(#5) chord. This chord is a member of the Augmented Chords family, and is composed of the notes F, A, C#, Eb, and G. The intervals that build this chord are 1, 3, #5, b7, and 9, making it quite unique.
The complete names of the music intervals in this chord are: Root (1), Major Third (3), Augmented Fifth (#5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Major Ninth (9). If you're new to the world of guitar chords, you might find our full tutorial on guitar chords of all types helpful to get started.
The F 9(#5) chord is not a beginner's chord, but rather an intermediate guitar chord, and understanding how to play it can add a new dimension to your guitar playing. It's often used in jazz chord progressions, so if you're interested in jazz, learning this chord can be very beneficial.
To fully understand how this chord is built, it's important to understand fretboard intervals. These intervals are the building blocks of chords, and knowing them can help you create your own unique chord voicings.
Our tutorial will provide chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones that compose the F 9(#5) chord. If you're unsure about how to read these diagrams or want to learn more about chord notation, check out our tutorial on how to denote chords based on the intervals that compose them.
So, get your guitar ready and let's dive into the world of the F 9(#5) chord!
Notes that compose the F 9(#5) chord:
Tones of the Dominant Ninth Sharp Fifth chord:
F Dominant Ninth Sharp Fifth Guitar Chord Diagrams
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Barre
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What are the key intervals that define the unique sound of the F9(#5) chord?
The unique sound of the F9(#5) chord is primarily defined by its Augmented Fifth (#5) and Major Ninth (9) intervals. The #5 creates a distinct tension characteristic of augmented chords, while the 9th adds an extended, complex, and often 'jazzy' color to the chord. The Minor Seventh (b7) also establishes it as a dominant-type chord.
Why is the F9(#5) chord categorized as an 'intermediate guitar chord'?
The F9(#5) chord is considered intermediate because it involves a combination of altered and extended intervals (#5, b7, 9) beyond basic triads or seventh chords. Understanding and executing these intervals requires a solid grasp of fretboard intervals and often more complex fingerings, making it a step up from beginner chords.
How does the 'augmented' part of F9(#5) relate to its construction?
The 'augmented' aspect of the F9(#5) chord comes directly from the Augmented Fifth (#5) interval in its construction. This means that the fifth note of the chord is raised by a half step compared to a standard perfect fifth, which gives the chord its characteristic tension and places it within the Augmented Chords family.
What role do the Minor Seventh (b7) and Major Ninth (9) intervals play in the F9(#5) chord?
The Minor Seventh (b7) interval is crucial as it establishes the F9(#5) as a dominant-type chord, which naturally creates a sense of wanting to resolve. The Major Ninth (9) is an extension that adds richness, harmonic depth, and a sophisticated, modern flavor, making the chord more colorful and complex than a basic augmented triad or seventh chord.
When is the F9(#5) chord typically used in musical contexts, especially in jazz?
The F9(#5) chord is frequently used in jazz chord progressions to create tension and add harmonic color. It often functions as a dominant chord that leads to a resolution, utilizing its inherent dissonance from the augmented fifth and ninth to create a more compelling movement within a progression.