What is D9?
The D9 guitar chord is formed by the notes D – F# – A – C – E and is played using the fingering xx0210. It’s a jazz chord commonly used in D9-G9-C9.
D9 Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: Don't play
4th (D) string: Open
3rd (G) string: 2th fret
2nd (B) string: 1th fret
1st (E) string: Open
How to Play D9
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram xx0210.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
D9 Variations
D9 (full)
x5455x
Barre chord voicing
D9sus4
xx0230
Add suspended 4th for more tension
D9#11
x5456x
Adds the sharp 11th
Popular Songs Using D9
Famous Examples:
- • Superstition
- • Sir Duke
- • September
- • What's Going On
More Hits:
- • Autumn Leaves
- • All of Me
- • Fly Me to the Moon
Common Chord Progressions with D9
D9-G9-C9
Dominant 9th cycle progression
Am-D9-G-C
vi-ii9-V-I progression
D9-G-Em-A
Sophisticated ii-V-I progression
Am9-D9-Gmaj9
A popular progression used in many songs
D9-G13-Cmaj9
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for D9
1. Funk Essential
Cornerstone chord for funk and R&B rhythm guitar
2. Blues Color
Adds sophisticated blues flavor to progressions
3. Voice Leading
Great for smooth voice leading in jazz contexts
4. Barre Technique
Requires good barre technique for full voicing
Music Theory Behind D9
Notes in D9: D - F# - A - C - E
Scale: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C - D
Key Signature: Two sharps (F#, C#)
Relative Major: Bm9
D9 is a dominant 7th chord with added 9th (E). Essential for funk, blues, and jazz, it provides both harmonic sophistication and rhythmic drive.
Related Chords to Learn
Master D9 Today!
D9 is an advanced chord that will expand your musical vocabulary significantly!