D# dominant 9th · Ukulele
D#9 Chord on Ukulele
The D#9 chord (D# dominant 9th) is built from the notes D#, G, A#, C# and F. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Eb9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 4 (G): played open
- string 3 (C): fret 1 — index finger
- string 2 (E): fret 1 — index finger
- string 1 (A): fret 1 — index finger
Notes in this chord
- D♯
- G
- A♯
- C♯
- F
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9
Also written: Eb9
How to play
Every ukulele shape for D#9 needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 1. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.
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.
- How many ways can you play D#9?
- Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for D#9, and it is a barre shape.
- Is the D#9 chord hard to play?
- D#9 requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
- 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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