The minor-major ninth chord extends mM7 with a major ninth (1-♭3-5-7-9). It combines the bittersweet major seventh over a minor triad with the wide color of the ninth—classic melodic minor territory and a favorite color in modern jazz and cinematic harmony for haunted beauty with lift.
Construction
Start from 1-♭3-5-7 and add 9. In CmM9, include D as the ninth.
Usage
i∆9 colors, dramatic tonic arrivals, and reharmonizations where a minor chord needs both brightness and complexity.
Examples
- Jazz tunes that tonicize melodic minor
- Film scoring for bittersweet themes
- Neo-soul progressions with extended tonic minor chords
Play
Separate the major seventh and ninth registrally when possible to avoid muddiness.
Ear-training cues
Minor third with major seventh and a bright ninth above the root.
