Ab
Abmadd9
Notes
Ab · Cb · Eb · Bb
Intervals
- RootAb (1P)
- Minor 3rdCb (3m)
- Perfect 5thEb (5P)
- Major 9thBb (9M)
Fretboard
On the fretboard, B represents Cb.
Adjust labels, frets, and palette in the interactive view.
About
The A♭m(add9) (A♭–C♭–E♭–B♭) applies the same logic to a minor triad — the 9th is added directly, without a 7th, keeping the chord stable. The contrast between the dark C♭ and the bright B♭ gives madd9 its distinctive emotional complexity. This is not a jazzy sound — the absence of the ♭7 keeps it direct and song-oriented, which is why it is common in ballads and alternative music. The C♭ establishes the minor quality; the B♭ is the essential extension. The 5th can be dropped. Compared to A♭m9, madd9 is less harmonically fluid and more immediate.
Similar chords
Chords sharing two or more notes with this one, ranked by overlap.
Scales containing this chord
- A♭ Diminished (deg 1)
- A♭ Harmonic Minor (I)
- A♭ Melodic Minor (I)
- A♭ Natural Minor (I)
- B Major (VI)
- D♭ Natural Minor (V)
- E♭ Diminished (deg 4)
- E♭ Harmonic Minor (IV)
- E♭ Natural Minor (IV)
- F Blues (deg 2)
- F♯ Major (II)
- A♭ Dorian (I)
- A♭ Locrian (I)
- A♭ Phrygian (I)
- B Lydian (VI)
- B♭ Locrian (VII)
- B♭ Phrygian (VII)
- D♭ Dorian (V)
- D♭ Locrian (V)
- D♭ Mixolydian (V)
- D♭ Phrygian (V)
- E Lydian (III)
- E♭ Locrian (IV)
- E♭ Phrygian (IV)
- F Locrian (III)
- F♯ Mixolydian (II)
Scales whose notes include every chord tone. Roman numeral marks the chord root’s position in the scale; dashed badges aren’t linked yet.