C# dominant 7th sharp 9 · Piano
C#7♯9 Chord on Piano
The C#7♯9 chord (C# dominant 7th sharp 9) is built from the notes C#, F, G#, B and E. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Db7♯9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- C♯
- F
- G♯
- B
- E
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9
Also written: Db7♯9
How to play
To play C#7♯9 on piano, press C#, F, G#, B and E together. In root position the lowest note is C#, 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 C#7♯9 this structure sits on the root C#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9 map onto C#, F, G#, B and E.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the C#7♯9 chord?
- C#7♯9 contains the notes C#, F, G#, B and E. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9.
- Are C#7♯9 and Db7♯9 the same chord?
- Yes. C#7♯9 and Db7♯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.
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