Construction
D 7♭9 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Minor 2nd = D, F♯, A, C, E♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| E♭ | Minor 2nd | ♭9 |
Fingering
| Note | Key color | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | white | thumb (1) | little finger (5) |
| F♯ | black | index finger (2) | ring finger (4) |
| A | white | middle finger (3) | middle finger (3) |
| C | white | ring finger (4) | index finger (2) |
| E♭ | black | little finger (5) | thumb (1) |
Right hand: thumb (1) on D, index finger (2) on F♯, middle finger (3) on A, ring finger (4) on C, little finger (5) on E♭.
Left hand: little finger (5) on D, ring finger (4) on F♯, middle finger (3) on A, index finger (2) on C, thumb (1) on E♭.
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D 7♭9 is the tonic (I) chord of D Major, whose key signature has 2 sharps (F♯, C♯).
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of D Major
These are the triads built on each degree of D Major:
D 7♭9 : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D 7♭9 chord on piano?
The D 7♭9 chord contains the notes D – F♯ – A – C – E♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the D 7♭9 chord?
The D 7♭9 chord (D7♭9) contains 5 notes: D, F#, A, C, Eb. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-m9.
How is D7♭9 used in music?
D7♭9 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for D7♭9?
D7♭9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-b9, giving it its distinctive sound.