Emaj9 Chord
The Emaj9 chord is a major ninth chord built on the root note E. Its notes are E, G♯, B, D♯ and F♯.
Major ninth chords are lush and floating. A major seventh chord with a ninth added, they are one of the sweetest sounds in jazz and neo-soul, warm enough to sit still on for a whole bar.
Emaj9 on piano
To play Emaj9 on piano, take E in the left hand and the remaining notes - G♯, B, D♯ and F♯ - in the right. Press all keys at the same time and listen for a clear, balanced sound. Practice switching to and from this chord slowly, then with a metronome at a comfortable tempo.
Emaj9 on guitar
Open
On guitar, Emaj9 is commonly played with the voicing shown above. If the chord contains barred notes, keep your index finger flat across the fretboard and curve the other fingers so they don't mute the open strings. Strum only the strings marked as active in the diagram for the cleanest tone.
Play the chord
Emaj9 chord notes
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | E |
| 3 | Major third | 4 | G♯(G#) |
| 5 | Perfect fifth | 7 | B |
| 7 | Major seventh | 11 | D♯(D#) |
| 9 | Major ninth | 14 | F♯(F#) |
How to use the Emaj9 chord
The Emaj9 chord is built from a root, a major third, a perfect fifth, a major seventh and a major ninth. Starting from the root E, stack the intervals to get the complete chord: E, G♯, B, D♯ and F♯. Learning the formula is the fastest way to transpose the chord to any other key.
Major ninth chords work as the I or IV chord where a major seventh would do, adding depth without changing the function. Bossa nova, jazz, soul and R&B treat them as a default tonic sound.
Common progressions
The Emaj9 chord works beautifully in these progressions. Click a chord name to jump to its page.
Related chords to Emaj9
Once you are comfortable with Emaj9, explore neighbouring chords to unlock new progressions. The chords below share notes, keys or functions with Emaj9 and are a natural next step in your practice.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Emaj9 chord?
Is the Emaj9 chord major or minor?
How do you play Emaj9 on piano?
How do you play Emaj9 on guitar?
What chords work well with Emaj9?
Keep exploring
Deepen your understanding of the Emaj9 chord with our other music theory tools.