A# dominant 7th sharp 9 · Piano

A#7♯9 Chord on Piano

The A#7♯9 chord (A# dominant 7th sharp 9) is built from the notes A#, D, F, G# and C#. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Bb7♯9; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

A#7♯9
A#7♯9 chord diagram for pianoDFA♯G♯C♯

Notes in this chord

  • A♯
  • D
  • F
  • G♯
  • C♯

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9

Also written: Bb7♯9

How to play

To play A#7♯9 on piano, press A#, D, F, G# and C# together. In root position the lowest note is A#, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.

Theory behind the chord

Often called the Hendrix chord, the 7♯9 stacks a sharpened ninth over a dominant seventh. Major and minor thirds sound at once, producing the gritty clash that defines psychedelic rock and funk. On A#7♯9 this structure sits on the root A#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9 map onto A#, D, F, G# and C#.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the A#7♯9 chord?
A#7♯9 contains the notes A#, D, F, G# and C#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9.
Are A#7♯9 and Bb7♯9 the same chord?
Yes. A#7♯9 and Bb7♯9 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

Practise A#7♯9 on your phone

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