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Chord & Fret

D7(b9) — dominant flat ninth

Notes in D7(b9): D – F# – A – C – EbFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – b9

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The 7(b9) is a dramatic dominant. The minor ninth intensifies the resolution, especially when the target chord is minor.

The same chord on all four instruments

D7(b9), x 5 0 5 4 2D7(b9)3421×DDCEbGb
Guitar
D7(b9), x 5 0 5 4 2D7(b9)3421×DDCEbGb
Electric guitar
D7(b9), 4 5 4 0D7(b9)132GbCEbD
Cavaquinho
D7(b9), 5 3 2 5D7(b9)3214CEbGbD
Ukulele

Where to use it: A dominant that resolves to a minor chord.

This is just one shape of D7(b9). In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Altered dominants family.

Other chords in this family

D7(#9)D7(#11)D7(b13)D7alt

See all chord types and qualities →