How to play

How to play the Dm9 chord on guitar

Unlock the rich sound of Dm9, featured in hits like "Wonderwall" and "Blackbird."

The Dm9 chord

The Dm9 chord, pronounced "D minor ninth," is a rich and expressive chord that adds a sophisticated touch to your guitar playing. Notable for its melancholic and jazzy sound, the Dm9 is often used in genres like jazz, blues, and R&B. This chord is particularly striking when used in progressions or as a substitution for the regular D minor chord.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Dm9 chord. We've also included other versions below.

Dm9 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for Dm9 chord

The Dm9 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 5th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Dm9 chord on your guitar:

  1. Place your index finger on the 5th fret, barring all six strings.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion. Make sure to apply firm pressure with your fretting hand to ensure all notes ring out clearly.

Dm9 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Dm9 chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Dm9 chord, try playing an open D minor chord (D-A-D-F-A-D) and adding your pinky to the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string. This captures the essential notes of the Dm9 chord without requiring a barre or complex fingering.

How to play a Dm9 bar chord

Playing the Dm9 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a fuller, richer sound to your playing, especially when you need to quickly transition between chords.

Here's how to play a Dm9 barre chord:

  1. Place your index finger across the 5th fret, covering all six strings (barre).
  2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  5. Strum all six strings from the 5th fret.

Common Dm9 chord progressions

The Dm9 chord is often used in progressions to add a jazzy, sophisticated, or dreamy feel to a song. Here are some common Dm9 chord progressions:

  • i9-iv9-v9 (Dm9-Gm9-A9) - Used in "Summertime" and "Georgia on My Mind"
  • i9-bVII9-bVI9-V9 (Dm9-C9-Bb9-A9)
  • i9-iv9-bVII9 (Dm9-Gm9-C9) - Used in "Cry Me a River"
  • i9-bII9-V9 (Dm9-Eb9-A9)
  • i9-ii°9-V9/VI-VI9 (Dm9-E°9-A9/F#-F#m9)

Drills to master the Dm9 chord

To master the Dm9 chord, try playing the notes individually, focusing on clean execution. Start slowly and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.

Another effective drill is to play the chord in different rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and triplets. This helps develop muscle memory and trains your fingers to move seamlessly between the notes. Experiment with various strumming patterns to add dynamics and explore the chord's versatility.

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Songs that feature the Dm9 chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Dm9 chord.

  1. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel (D, Bm7, GM7, Dm9, Am7)
  2. Wicked Game by Chris Isaak (Bm, A, E, Dm9)
  3. I Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (C, F7, Dm9, G7)
  4. Everything's Coming Our Way by Santana (Em7, A7, Dm9, G13)
  5. This Guy's in Love with You by Herb Alpert (C, Am7, Dm9, G13)
  6. Masquerade by George Benson (Am7, D7, Gm7, C7, F, Dm9, E7)
  7. Please Call Me, Baby by Tom Waits (CM7, Am, Dm9, E7)
  8. Tell Me a Bedtime Story by Quincy Jones (CM7, F9, Dm9, E7)
  9. Stardust by Nat King Cole (C, F6, Dm7, G7, Em7, A7, Dm9, G7)
  10. The Shadow of Your Smile by Tony Bennett (Am7, D7, GM7, CM7, FM7, Bm7(b5), E7, Am7, Dm9, G7)

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.