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Chord & Fret

Bb7(b9) — dominant flat ninth

Also written A#7(b9) — the same chord, spelled the other way.

Notes in Bb7(b9): Bb – D – F – Ab – CbFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – b9

In 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

Bb7(b9), x 1 0 1 0 1Bb7(b9)123×BbDAbBF
Guitar
Bb7(b9), x 1 0 1 0 1Bb7(b9)123×BbDAbBF
Electric guitar
Bb7(b9), 6 3 0 0Bb7(b9)321AbBbBD
Cavaquinho
Bb7(b9), 3 2 4 2Bb7(b9)3142BbDAbB
Ukulele

Where to use it: A dominant that resolves to a minor chord.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of Bb7(b9). In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Altered dominants family.

Other chords in this family

Bb7(#9)Bb7(#11)Bb7(b13)Bb7alt

See all chord types and qualities →