D9 Ukulele Chord
Trying to get the D9 chord under your fingers? It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. Your fingers go on the g, C, E and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A four-finger shape. Here is how to play D9, step by step.
- Notes: D, Gb, A, C and E
- Frets: 5 4 2 5
- Tuning: g C E A
D9 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 9th
- Also known as
- D ninth
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9
- Intervals
- D (root), Gb (major 3rd), A (perfect 5th), C (minor 7th), E (9th)
- Notes
- D, Gb, A, C and E
- Frets
- 5 4 2 5
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the D9 chord
Here is the D9 chord step by step:
- Put your ring finger on the 5th fret of the g string.
- Put your middle finger on the 4th fret of the C string.
- Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string.
- Put your little finger on the 5th fret of the A string.
- Strum all four strings.
It is a bit of a stretch, so go slow and let your hand learn the shape. These quick tips for tricky chords help. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the D9 chord?
The D9 chord is built from five notes: D, Gb, A, C and E (the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th and 9th). That flat seventh makes a dominant 7th restless. It leans forward and wants to resolve to the next chord, which is why it turns up all over blues and folk. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Ukulele songs that use the D9 chord
- The SmithsPlease, Please, Please
- The BeatlesSomething
- LaufeyFalling Behind
- Micheal JacksonLove Never Felt So Good (feat. Justin Timberlake)
- We The KingsSay You Like Me
- Pink FloydBrain damage
- Judy GarlandSomewhere Over The Rainbow (The Wizard Of Oz)
- Monsieur PerinéNuestra Canción (feat. Vicente García)
- Wayne NewtonDanke Schoen
- Perry ComoA You’re Adorable
Want to go further?
Once D9 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try D7, Dmaj7, Dm and D. D9 pairs most often with G, A and Bm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.