Finger Positions

Root Note E

Name E

Intervals 1P-3M-5d-7m-9M

Relative Minor C#m

Notes E, G#, Bb, D, F#

Aliases E9b5

How to play the E9b5 Chord

The E9b5 is a fundamental dominant chord in guitar music. To play this chord correctly, ensure your fingers are placed precisely on the frets indicated in the diagram above.

Music Theory Analysis

From a theoretical perspective, the E is built using the 1P, 3M, 5d, 7m, 9M intervals. In the key of E Major, this chord functions as the I chord.

Common Progressions

In music composition, the E9b5 chord is often used to create tension or resolution.

I-V-vi-IV

E → B → C#m → A

vi-IV-I-V

C#m → A → E → B

The Diatonic Family

Understanding the "family" of chords that belong to E helps with transposition and ear training.

Triads

E F#m G#m A B C#m D#dim

7ths

Emaj7 F#m7 G#m7 Amaj7 B7 C#m7 D#m7b5

Scale Compatibility

View All Scales

Prometheus Whole Tone Locrian Major Lydian Dominant Leading Whole Tone Lydian Minor Messiaen's Mode #6 Composite Blues Messiaen's Mode #3 Chromatic

* 10 scales found containing the notes E, G#, Bb, D, F#.

Acoustic & Digital Analysis

Digital footprint of the E9b5 chord for MIDI programming and synthesizer sound design.

MIDI Numbers 64, 68, 70, 62, 66

Frequencies (Hz)

329.6275569128699, 415.3046975799451, 466.1637615180899, 293.6647679174076, 369.9944227116344