E Dominant Ninth Chord

Chord Tones: E Dominant Ninth Chord

Symbol: 9 — Formula: 1-3-5-♭7-9

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The E dominant ninth chord commonly functions as the mediant (iii) in C major or dominant (V) in A major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides stable harmonic grounding.

The dominant ninth chord extends the dominant seventh with a ninth, adding color and richness to one of music's most harmonically active chords. Essential in jazz, blues, and funk. The E Dominant Ninth Chord specifically contains 5 notes: E, G♯, B, D, F♯ (formula: 1-3-5-♭7-9). On guitar, E-rooted chords use both the low and high open E strings, creating a powerful full-register voicing that spans all six strings. Hard rock, metal, and punk lean heavily on E-rooted chords and power chords because the low E string provides maximum sonic impact for distorted tones.

Common Progressions

The E Dominant Ninth Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• V9-I
• ii7-V9-I

Songs Featuring the Dominant Ninth Chord

Well-known songs where the E Dominant Ninth Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

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

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the E Dominant Ninth Chord

These scales include the E Dominant Ninth Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: