Chord & FretC7(b9) — dominant flat ninth
Notes in C7(b9): C – E – G – Bb – DbFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – b9In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
The 7(b9) is a dramatic dominant. The minor ninth intensifies the resolution, especially when the target chord is minor.
The same chord on all four instruments
Where to use it: A dominant that resolves to a minor chord.
The shapes of C7(b9) don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.
See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →Part of the Altered dominants family.