F#maj9: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

F#maj9 (maj9) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 3 5 7 9. A major 7th with the 9th added on top — a soft, open tonic chord that's brighter and richer than a plain maj7.

Chord tones

The major 7th gives the softness and the 9th opens the chord upward. The 5th is usually dropped, leaving 1 – 3 – 7 – 9.

Sound character

Bright, open and restful — common in bossa nova, neo-soul and ballads.

Harmonic function

A tonic, or tonic color. It stands in for a plain major or a maj7 when you want a richer kind of rest.

Typical progressions

  • G#m9 – C#9 – F#maj9
  • F#maj9 – D#m9
  • Bmaj9 – F#maj9

Guitar voicing advice

Root on the 6th or 5th string, 5th dropped. Keep the 3rd and 7th close together and the 9th on top.

Compatible scales for F#maj9

Other chord qualities on the F# root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.