V9–I in E Major

Pattern: V9 – I Chords: B9 – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
V9	B9 (details)	dominant ninth	Dominant
I	E (details)	major	Tonic

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through B9 (Dominant) → E (Tonic).

The V9–I progression extends the dominant seventh with a ninth for a richer, more colorful resolution to the tonic. The added ninth provides warmth without increasing tension, creating a resolution that feels simultaneously satisfying and sophisticated. This is the standard dominant voicing in jazz, blues, and funk, where the extra color of the ninth is expected and desired.

Song Examples

Purple Haze — Jimi Hendrix
Superstition — Stevie Wonder
What's Going On — Marvin Gaye

Chord Details

B9 E

More Progressions in E Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I

Related Progressions

V7–I ii7–V9–I V–I