B7♭9
B Dominant 7th Flat 9 — a dominant with a dark flattened ninth — sharp tension that resolves with real drama, especially into minor.
The keys
B – D♯ – F♯ – A – C
What's inside B7♭9
| Note | Interval from root | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B | Root | 1 |
| D♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| F♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| A | Minor 7th | b7 |
| C | Flat 9th | b9 |
A working voicing
Split the chord between two hands the way working players do — a solid shell low down, the colour tones up top:
| Hand | Keys |
|---|---|
| Left (shell) | B2 – A3 |
| Right (colour) | E♭5 – C6 |
Where B7♭9 lives
Hard resolution
B7♭9 → Em9
Altered dominants resolve with maximum drama — especially into minor.
Chromatic approach
G♭m7 → B7♭9 → E
The alteration sharpens the pull of the standard two-five.
Put B7♭9 under your fingers
Hear every voicing, see the keys light up, and drill it in the interactive Chord & Voicing Lab.
Open the Chord & Voicing Lab →