F♯ Dominant Ninth Chord

Chord Tones: F♯ 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 F♯ dominant ninth chord commonly functions as the tritone substitution in C major or tonic in F♯ 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 F♯ Dominant Ninth Chord specifically contains 5 notes: F♯, A♯, C♯, E, G♯ (formula: 1-3-5-♭7-9). On piano, F#-rooted chords place the root on a black key, creating hand positions that many pianists find ergonomically comfortable for fast passages. Progressive rock, jazz fusion, and electronic music use F#-rooted chords to create unexpected harmonic shifts and chromatic modulations.

Common Progressions

The F♯ 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 F♯ 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 F♯ Dominant Ninth Chord

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