Skip to content
Chord & Fret

C7(b9) — dominant flat ninth

Notes on C: C – E – G – Bb – DbFormula: 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

C7(b9), x 3 2 3 2 0C7(b9)3142×CEBbDbE
Guitar
C7(b9), x 3 2 3 2 0C7(b9)3142×CEBbDbE
Electric guitar
C7(b9), 10 9 11 11C7(b9)92134CEBbDb
Cavaquinho
C7(b9), 3 0 0 4C7(b9)12BbCEDb
Ukulele

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

This is just one shape of C7(b9). 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 change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.

Unlock in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Altered dominants family.

Other chords in this family

C7(#9)C7(#11)C7(b13)

See all chord types and qualities →