What is a Major 9th Arpeggio?

Major 9th arpeggios are a nice alternative to major 7th arpeggios when you want to add a little bit of color to your jazz lines. A major 9th arpeggio contains 5 notes.

As its name implies there is a major ninth (9) added to the major 7th arpeggio, thus giving root (R), major third (3), perfect fifth (5), major seventh (7) and ninth (9). Major 9th arpeggios have the same notes as the chords they are derived from.

CM9 arpeggio C E G B D Formula 1 3 5 7 9

What's a Major Ninth?

A major ninth (9) is a compound interval made up of an octave plus a second (14 semitones). It is an octave larger than a second. It brings specific color considered as dissonant. It should not be confused with the minor ninth (b9) which is spanning 13 semitones (a minor second plus an octave).

What's the Difference Between Major add 9 and Major 9 Arpeggio?

As shown in the chart below, there is a significant difference between maj9 and major add9. Major 9 arpeggios (and chords) are seventh chords (tetrads) with an added ninth (9) whereas major add9 arpeggios are triads with an added ninth.