The D Major 9th chord is a five-note chord made up of D, F♯, A, C♯, and E. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, and major ninth.
Construction
D Major 9th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd = D · F♯ · A · C♯ · E
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C♯ | Major 7th | 7 |
| E | Major 2nd | 9 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D Major 9th 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 the D major scale:
D Major 9th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D Major 9th chord on piano?
The D Major 9th 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 Major 9th chord?
The D Major 9th chord (Dmaj9) contains five notes: D (root), F# (major third), A (perfect fifth), C# (major seventh), and E (major ninth). It is Dmaj7 with an added ninth.
How does Dmaj9 differ from D9?
Dmaj9 has a major seventh (C#). D9 has a minor seventh (C). Dmaj9 is dreamy; D9 is dominant and bluesy.
How is Dmaj9 used in music?
Dmaj9 is a lush tonic in D Major. D is a common acoustic key, making Dmaj9 popular in folk-jazz, singer-songwriter, and contemporary worship.
What songs use Major 9th chords?
Major 9th chords appear in neo-soul, jazz, and lo-fi music. D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and bossa nova standards use maj9 voicings extensively.
How does Dmaj9 differ from Dadd9?
Dmaj9 includes the major seventh (C#). Dadd9 has no seventh. Dmaj9 is warmer and more complex.
Do I need to play all five notes?
No — drop the fifth: D–F#–C#–E is the practical voicing.