Guitar arpeggio
D Dominant 9 Guitar Arpeggio
D Dominant 9 is a five-note arpeggio built from D, F#, A, C, and E. It is also commonly called D Dominant Ninth and D9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- D, F#, A, C, E
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 10 14
- Chord symbols
- D9
- Also called
- D Dominant NinthD9
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent D root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the D root notes and connect the remaining dominant 9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called D Dominant Ninth or D9.
Chord construction and defining tones
D dominant 9 is defined by 3 (F#), b7 (C), and 9 (E). The dominant guide tones remain intact while the ninth adds an upper extension.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over D9, dominant funk and blues harmony, or a V chord that includes the natural ninth.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the D Dominant 9 arpeggio from one D root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 3 (F#), b7 (C), and 9 (E) as a rootless three-note group in several positions, then add the root and fifth.
- Outline D9, emphasize the ninth, and resolve the third and flat seventh into the next chord.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with D Dominant 9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard