G# dominant 7th sharp 9 · Piano

G#7♯9 Chord on Piano

The G#7♯9 chord (G# dominant 7th sharp 9) is built from the notes G#, C, D#, F# and B. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Ab7♯9; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

G#7♯9
G#7♯9 chord diagram for pianoCBG♯D♯F♯

Notes in this chord

  • G♯
  • C
  • D♯
  • F♯
  • B

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9

Also written: Ab7♯9

How to play

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

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the G#7♯9 chord?
G#7♯9 contains the notes G#, C, D#, F# and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – ♯9.
Are G#7♯9 and Ab7♯9 the same chord?
Yes. G#7♯9 and Ab7♯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 G#7♯9 on your phone

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