F# dominant 7th sharp 9 · Piano

F#7♯9 Chord on Piano

The F#7♯9 chord (F# dominant 7th sharp 9) is built from the notes F#, A#, C#, E and A. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Gb7♯9; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

F#7♯9
F#7♯9 chord diagram for pianoEAF♯A♯C♯

Notes in this chord

  • F♯
  • A♯
  • C♯
  • E
  • A

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9

Also written: Gb7♯9

How to play

To play F#7♯9 on piano, press F#, A#, C#, E and A together. In root position the lowest note is F#, 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 F#7♯9 this structure sits on the root F#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9 map onto F#, A#, C#, E and A.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the F#7♯9 chord?
F#7♯9 contains the notes F#, A#, C#, E and A. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9.
Are F#7♯9 and Gb7♯9 the same chord?
Yes. F#7♯9 and Gb7♯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 F#7♯9 on your phone

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