maj69

Maj69 is a type of extended chord used in jazz and contemporary harmony. It denotes a major seventh chord with both a ninth and a sixth added, producing a rich, shimmering color. In notation, it is commonly written as maj69, but it can also be described as maj9(13) or maj7(9,13), since the 6th can be interpreted as the 13th extension in higher voicings.

Construction and notes: The tonal core is a major seventh chord (root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh). The added ninth (9) is the note a whole step above the root, and the added sixth (6) is the note a major sixth above the root. Because the 11th can clash with the major seventh, many voicings omit the 11th. Depending on the arrangement, the fifth may also be omitted to avoid clutter, while the root, third, seventh, and the 9th and 6th are the most characteristic degrees.

Voicings and example: A common voicing for Cmaj69 is C–E–B–D–A, with the fifth sometimes left out. The notes can be rearranged across different octaves and inverted to fit melodic lines or bass movement.

Usage and context: Maj69 is prized for its lush, colorful sound and is often used in modern jazz, fusion, and certain pop contexts to color progressions, especially as a tonic substitute or in turnarounds. It sits alongside related chords such as maj9 and maj13, offering similar color with different emphasis on extension notes.

See also: maj9, maj13, maj7.