Playing the A#maj9 Piano Chord
The A#maj9 chord is a major 9th chord built on the root A#. It contains 5 notes: A#, D, F, A, C. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
Major 7th with added 9th. Lush, dreamy sound used in jazz and ambient music. Mastering the A#maj9 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of A#.
Piano Finger Positions for A#maj9
For the A#maj9 extended chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on A#, middle finger (3) on D, pinky (5) on F.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on A#, middle finger (3) on D, thumb (1) on F.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken extended effect.
A#maj9 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | A# | A# – D – F – A – C | Most stable |
| 1st | D | D – F – A – C – A# | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | F | F – A – A# – D | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of A#maj9
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in A# |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | A# |
| 3rd | Major 3rd | 4 | D |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | F |
| 7th | Major 7th | 11 | A |
| 9th | Major 9th | 14 | C |
Common Progressions with A#maj9 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: A#maj9 – D#maj9 – Fmaj9 – A#maj9 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: A#maj9 – F – Gm – D# (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: Cm – F – A#maj9 (jazz turnaround)