D Dominant 9th
Notes:D – F# – A – C – E
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9
Introduction
The D Dominant 9th piano chord (D9) consists of the notes D, F#, A, C, E. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9.
Notes
D Dominant 9th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D4 – F#4 – A4 – C5 – E5 |
| 1st Inversion | F#4 – A4 – C5 – E5 – D6 |
| 2nd Inversion | A4 – C5 – E5 – D6 – F#6 |
Key Signature
The key of D Dominant 9th has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.
F♯C♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9
The D Dominant 9th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-M9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-M9 show the distance between each note in the chord.
D Dominant 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Dominant 9th chord?
The D Dominant 9th chord (D9) contains 5 notes: D, F#, A, C, E. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9.
How is D9 used in music?
D9 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 D9?
D9 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on D and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice D9 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing D9 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve D9 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.