E Minor 6/9 Chord

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Formula R – 9 – ♭3 – 5 – 6

Summary

E Minor 6/9 is built from the notes E, G♭, G, B, D♭. The interval from E to G♭ is a major 2nd (2 semitones), from E to G is a minor 3rd (3 semitones), from E to B is a perfect 5th (7 semitones), from E to D♭ is a major 6th (9 semitones). This chord contains 2 flatted notes.

The minor 6/9 adds both a major 6th and a major 9th to a minor triad. It has a sophisticated, dreamy quality — darker than a 6/9 but more colorful than a plain minor chord. It's a favorite ending chord for minor keys in jazz.

Theory

Constructed as R, ♭3, 5, 6, 9, this chord captures the Dorian mode in a single voicing. The natural 6th brightens the minor quality while the 9th adds airiness. Like its major counterpart, it avoids the 7th, giving it a settled, final quality.

On the guitar

Most voicings require 4-5 strings and work best in the middle of the neck. A common approach is to take a minor barre chord and add the 6th and 9th on the higher strings. Em6/9 and Am6/9 have accessible open-string voicings.

Piano