Part 4: Adding Altered Extensions
If you want a note not found in the natural chord or its extensions, they are indicated after the natural ones. We simply list them right after any 7ths and natural extensions.
- C7#9 = C E G Bb (the chord up to the 7th) and D# (the #9)
- C-9b6 = C Eb G Bb (the chord up to the natural 9th) and Ab (the b6)
Notice that they’re just placed right after the natural extensions? These are often put in parentheses to provide some visual separation but it’s not necessary. It’s just a matter of style.
- C7#9#5 or C7(#9#5)
There really isn’t a correct order to list altered extensions, but 9s are usually before 5s, and anything else typically comes after that. Also, note, European musicians occasionally use things like 10ths and 12ths. In the US, you’ll get funny looks and questions. Stick to 5, 9, 11, and 13.