The D♯ Add 9 chord is a four-note chord made up of D♯, F♯♯, A♯, and E♯. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major ninth.
Construction
D♯ Add 9 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 2nd = D♯ · F♯♯ · A♯ · E♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D♯ | Root | 1 |
| F♯♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| E♯ | Major 2nd | 2 |
D♯ Add 9 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯ – E♯ |
| 1st Inversion | F♯♯ – A♯ – E♯ – D♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | A♯ – E♯ – D♯ – F♯♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | E♯ – D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯ |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D♯ Add 9 is the tonic (I) chord of D# Major, whose key signature has 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).
B♭E♭A♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of D♯ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the D♯ major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯ – E♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
D♯ Add 9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D♯ Add 9 chord on piano?
The D♯ Add 9 chord contains the notes D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯ – E♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the D# Add 9 chord?
D# Add 9 is built from the D# root. Check the interactive keyboard above for exact notes and fingering.
How is the D# Add 9 chord used in music?
D# Add 9 appears in jazz, pop, and classical contexts. Its sound depends on the chord quality (Add 9).
What is the fingering for D# Add 9?
See the fingering chart above. Right hand typically uses thumb on root. Left hand uses pinky on root.
What are the inversions of D# Add 9?
Use the inversion buttons above to see each inversion with notes, fingering, and staff notation.