44. The 6/9 (Six-Nine) Chord

The Sound of the Six-Nine

First, let's compare a major sixth with a major six-nine.
The chord tones are played one by one, followed by the chord.

• C6

• C6/9

The six-nine gives the impression of more sparkle, thickness and spaciousness.

Notation of the Six-Nine

The six-nine has various notations, as shown below.

Here, as already written, we will use 6/9.

How the Six-Nine Is Formed

If you have studied this far, you can probably guess, but let's use the major scale again to check what note is added to the sixth.

For C6/9, D, the 9th note counting from the root (M9th), is added to the 6th chord.
Of course, the D an octave lower also counts.

Let's check it on the score and the piano roll.

As you can see, it is a chord with five stacked notes.

Using the Six-Nine

This time, let's compare a regular triad, a sixth and a six-nine in a II-V-I progression.

• IIm7 → V7 → I Dm7 → G7 → C

• IIm7 → V7 → I6 Dm7 → G7 → C6

• IIm7 → V7 → I6/9 Dm7 → G7 → C6/9

You could also deliberately end with a top note other than the root.
Try all kinds of voicings and variations.

The Minor Six-Nine Chord

Finally, let's also check the minor six-nine.
The point to watch with major sixth and minor sixth chords was the difference in the 3rd.

The same applies to the six-nine.
Let's compare the sound of the two.

• Cm6

• Cm6/9

If by now you can imagine the notes just by listening, that's wonderful.
To check your answer, let's look at the root position on the score and the piano roll.

In minor, a slightly mysterious atmosphere is added.
When you find it while analyzing songs, pay attention to the kind of flow it is used in.

This wraps up chords for now; from next time, we move on to content of a slightly different flavor.
Be sure to thoroughly review what you have learned so far before going on.