D# dominant 9th · Piano
D#9 Chord on Piano
The D#9 chord (D# dominant 9th) is built from the notes D#, G, A#, C# and F. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Eb9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- D♯
- G
- A♯
- C♯
- F
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9
Also written: Eb9
How to play
To play D#9 on piano, press D#, G, A#, C# and F together. In root position the lowest note is D#, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.
Theory behind the chord
Dominant ninth chords extend the dominant seventh with a ninth on top. They keep the pull of a seventh chord but sound fuller and more coloured, which is why funk and soul rhythm parts lean on them. On D#9 this structure sits on the root D#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 map onto D#, G, A#, C# and F.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the D#9 chord?
- D#9 contains the notes D#, G, A#, C# and F. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9.
- Are D#9 and Eb9 the same chord?
- Yes. D#9 and Eb9 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.
Practise D#9 on your phone
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