Db9 Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively

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The Db 9 chord, a sophisticated member of the Dominant Chord family, is built from the notes Db, F, Ab, Cb, and Eb. These correspond to the intervals Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Major Ninth (9). Use the interactive fretboard tool at the top of this page to visualize every fingering, listen to the chord played as a strum or arpeggio, and instantly check your playing with real-time microphone feedback – the tool will highlight any missed notes or string muting.

This rich and complex Db 9 chord is often heard adding depth to jazz and blues progressions. Understanding its structure is key to unlocking its full potential. For a deeper dive into the world of extended chords, explore our guide on Ninth Chords. You can also learn more about its foundational role within the Dominant Chord family and grasp the principles of Chord Construction. Once you're comfortable with the fingerings, focusing on improving your chord changes will make your playing much smoother.

Below, you'll discover a comprehensive resource for the Db 9 chord, including diagrams ranked from the easiest open positions to more advanced barre shapes, relevant music theory, popular songs that feature this chord, and the keys where it commonly appears. Before you scroll down, take a moment to engage with the interactive tool above. Use the drum and BPM tool to set a rhythm, play the chord, and let the mic feedback guide your fingers. This active learning approach will build your muscle memory faster than just looking at diagrams.

Db dominant 9th guitar chord is also written as Db9, Dbdom9, Db7(9) or Db7add9.

Db 9 chord Notes:

Db F Ab Cb Eb

Chord structure of the Dominant Ninth chord:

#11

Db 9 Guitar Chord Diagrams

Position 1 Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the low E string
Mute the A string
Mute the D string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 6 of the B string
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 7 of the high E string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 8 of the G string

Position 2 Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the low E string
Mute the high E string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 3 of the D string
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 4 of the A string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 4 of the G string
Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 4 of the B string

Position 3 Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the low E string
Mute the high E string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 8 of the A string
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 8 of the G string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 9 of the D string
Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 9 of the B string

Position 4 Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the low E string
Mute the A string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 8 of the G string
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 9 of the D string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 9 of the B string
Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 9 of the high E string

Position 5 Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the A string
Mute the B string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 9 of the low E string
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 9 of the D string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 10 of the G string
Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 11 of the high E string

Position 6 Barre Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the low E string
Mute the A string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 9 of the D and B strings at the same time
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 10 of the G string
Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 11 of the high E string

Position 7 Barre Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the low E string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 3 of the D string
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 4 of the A string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 4 of the G, B and high E strings at the same time

Position 8 Barre Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the A string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 3 of the D string
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 4 of the low E string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 4 of the G, B and high E strings at the same time

Position 9 Barre Movable

Finger Positions

Mute the low E string
Place your index finger (1) on the fret 8 of the A and G strings at the same time
Place your middle finger (2) on the fret 9 of the D string
Place your ring finger (3) on the fret 9 of the B string
Place your pinky finger (4) on the fret 9 of the high E string

Find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you prefer a printable pdf, download the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf

Play This Chord With Other Roots

C 9 | D 9 | E 9 | F 9 | G 9 | A 9 | B 9 | C#9 | D#9 | F#9 | G#9 | A#9 | Ab9 | Bb9 | Db9 | Eb9 | Gb9

Want to Learn Everything About Chords?

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In the ebook you can also find maps show you the tones in a chord all along the fretboard. They are incredibly helpful because allow you to:

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In the new ebook, Chords Domination, you'll find the fretboard tones maps for 44 different qualities of chords. Check it out:

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Created by

Giancarlo Facoetti

Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher

FAQ

What notes are included in the Db 9 chord?

The Db 9 chord is composed of five specific notes: Db, F, Ab, Cb, and Eb. Db is the root note from which the chord is built.

What intervals define the structure of a Db 9 chord?

The Db 9 chord is defined by these intervals relative to its root (Db): Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Major Ninth (9).

Why is the Db 9 chord considered a Dominant Chord?

The Db 9 chord is classified as a dominant chord because it contains a Minor Seventh (b7) interval. Dominant chords typically create a specific harmonic tension and often function as a transition or bridge between chords in a progression.

How does the Db 9 chord function within a musical progression?

As a dominant chord, the Db 9 frequently serves as a bridge or transitional element in chord progressions. It adds a sophisticated and rich sound, contributing depth and complexity to the music, especially in genres like jazz and blues.

What gives the Db 9 chord its 'sophisticated and rich' sound?

The sophisticated and rich sound of the Db 9 chord comes from its extended harmonic structure, specifically the inclusion of the Major Ninth (9) interval alongside the dominant seventh. This combination of intervals adds color and depth, moving beyond a basic dominant 7th sound.

What does the '9' in Db 9 represent?

The '9' in the Db 9 chord name signifies the addition of a Major Ninth interval to the dominant seventh chord structure. This ninth interval (Eb in the case of Db 9) extends the chord's harmony, contributing to its complex and full sound.