How to play the Dm9 chord on guitar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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)