B dominant 9th chord on piano
B9 is a dominant 9th chord built on B. It uses the notes B - D♯ - F♯ - A - C♯ and sounds rich and funky, a staple of funk, gospel and jazz.
- Notes
- B D♯ F♯ A C♯
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7 - 9
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 on the upper four notes
- Left hand fingering
- 5 on the root
- Chord symbol
- B9
How to play B9 step by step
- Find B. B is the white key just right of each group of three black keys.
- Add D♯, 4 half steps above B.
- Add F♯, 7 half steps above B.
- Add A, 10 half steps above B.
- Add C♯, 14 half steps above B.
- Press all 5 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 on the upper four notes of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B dominant 9th chord?
The B dominant 9th chord (B9) contains 5 notes: B, D♯, F♯, A, C♯. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7 - 9.
How do you play B9 on piano?
Play the root B alone with your left hand, then play D♯, F♯, A, C♯ with your right hand. That spreads the five notes comfortably across both hands.