How to Make a D9 Bar Chord on the Guitar

Bar chord shapes can be moved around the guitar neck.

Dominant ninth guitar chords are used commonly in several different musical styles, including blues, jazz, funk and classical music. The D9 chord is quite useful in guitar-based music because of its placement in common guitar keys (the tonic chord in D, the fourth chord in A and the fifth chord in G). The bar form of a ninth chord is especially useful because it is a movable chord shape. Once you know the D9 bar chord shape, you know the chord shape for all the dominant ninth bar chords starting on the low E string.

Instructions

1. Bar the 10th fret across all six strings with your index finger. Make sure each note rings cleanly.

2. Press the 12th fret of the A string with your ring finger. Arch this finger so the notes on the 10th fret of the low E and D strings still sound clearly.

3. Press the 11th fret of the G string with your middle finger. Arch this finger in the same manner you are arching your ring finger.

4. Press the 12th fret of the high E string with your little finger.

5. Strum all six strings while holding this chord shape in place. Slightly adjust your fret-hand fingers if any of the notes are muffled.

References

• 8notes.com: Guitar Chord Charts -- D9
• Guitar Chords 247: D9 Guitar Chord