Notes in E7♯9
The E7♯9 chord contains 5 notes: E, A♭, B, D, G
Intervals
| Interval | Semitones | Note | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | 0 | E | Root |
| 3 | 4 | A♭ | Major 3rd |
| 5 | 7 | B | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | 10 | D | Minor 7th |
| ♯9 | 3 | G | Augmented 9th |
About E 7th Sharp 9 Chords
The 7♯9 chord — the 'Hendrix chord' — combines a dominant 7th with a sharp 9th (enharmonically, a minor 3rd). This creates a crunchy clash between the major 3rd and minor 3rd. Jimi Hendrix's 'Purple Haze' made this voicing iconic, but it appears throughout blues, funk, and jazz.
Compatible Scales & Modes
These scales contain all the notes of E7♯9 and can be used for soloing, improvising, and writing melodies over this chord.
Playing E seventh sharp nine on Guitar
The E seventh sharp nine chord, spelled E, A♭, B, D, G, occupies a specific harmonic role that depends on the musical context. In the key of E major and E minor, this chord can function as a primary harmony or as a passing color depending on where it appears in the progression. Understanding which scale degrees produce E-rooted chords helps you predict chord progressions and improvise melodies that complement the harmony.
On guitar, E seventh sharp nine voicings benefit from the low open E string giving maximum bass resonance. The physical shape of this chord on the fretboard determines its tonal character — the same notes arranged in different voicings produce noticeably different sounds due to string gauge, fret position, and overtone content. Experiment with playing E seventh sharp nine in multiple positions to find the voicing that best fits the register and texture of the music you are working on.
The E7#9 chord contains both a major third and a sharp nine (enharmonic minor third), creating the famous bluesy clash. This dissonance gives E7#9 its gritty, aggressive character that defined psychedelic rock and continues to drive blues and funk guitar.
When practicing E seventh sharp nine, use the compatible scales listed above to improvise melodies and riffs. Start by playing the chord, then explore the scale tones one at a time to hear how each note sounds against the harmony. This ear training exercise connects your theoretical knowledge of E-rooted chords to practical musicianship skills that improve your playing across all genres and styles.