The Chord of the Ninth

• built on the fifth scale degree and consisting of 5 tones
• in major keys = major ninth
• in minor keys = minor ninth

• the 9th should be resolved down the same as the resolution of the 7th of the chord
• in 4 part writing the 5th of the chord is omitted
• preparation
  • since the 9th chord is so dissonant, it must be prepared
  • this is done by getting the 9th tone ready in the same voice in the preceding chord
    • triads built on the 2,4,6 scale degrees allow for this
• there are no inversions to this chord