Chord question

[dwest2419]

Hi guys back with another thread. I have this question that peaked some interest. I was wondering is a C add9 and a Em7#5  the same chord? And if so is it the root that determine the chord?

[Sillyie]

Hi guys back with another thread. I have this question that peaked some interest. I was wondering is a C add9 and a Em7#5  the same chord? And if so is it the root that determine the chord?

C+D+E+G ---> C add 9

E+G+B#+G+D------? Em7#5

As you can see the C add9 do not have the 7, if it did then it would be a C major7 add 9
And I would think that the root determines the name of the chord, although they both are closely related in sound

IMO

[GospelEngineer]

No they are not the same chords, just the same notes.

A C add9 consists of: C-E-G-D

An Em7#5 consists of: E-G-C-D

The roots will determine the chords in these cases. If a C bass note was played under the Em7#5 it would be an inversion of the C add9. The key and the chords preceding and following will also determine the use/sound of each chord.

[T-Block]

That's a good question. They do in fact contain the same notes (as far as location on the piano is concerned), but the real determinate of what to call it depends on where and how it's used.

So, sound wise they are the same chord, but theoretically they aren't.