How to play the D7#9 chord on guitar

The D7#9 chord, pronounced "D dominant sharp ninth," is a unique and jazzy chord that adds a touch of tension and sophistication to any progression. Notable for its dissonant yet alluring sound, the D7#9 is often used in blues, jazz, and funk music to create a sense of intrigue and momentum. Its distinctive voicing has been featured in iconic songs like Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze."

The most common way to play the D7#9 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 10th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a D7#9 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 10th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 11th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 12th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, start on the 6th (low E) string and strum downwards, playing all six strings. Alternatively, you can focus on strumming only the middle four strings for a brighter sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the D7#9 chord, try playing a regular D7 chord instead. The D7 chord is a more basic version of the D7#9 and still conveys a similar sound. As you progress in your guitar skills, you can eventually learn the standard D7#9 voicing in the open position.

The D7#9 chord is not commonly played as a barre chord on guitar. The standard D7#9 voicing uses an open position shape that is easier for beginners to play. I would not recommend a barre chord version of this chord for novice guitarists.

The D7#9 chord is often used in jazz and blues progressions to add a sense of tension and resolution, creating a sophisticated and complex emotional feel. Some common chord progressions featuring the D7#9 chord include:

• ii - V7 - I - IV (Dm7 - D7#9 - GMaj7 - CMaj7)
• I - vi - ii - V7 (GMaj7 - Em7 - Am7 - D7#9)
• iii - VI - ii - V7 (Bm7 - E7#9 - Am7 - D7#9)
• I - IV - vii° - III7 (GMaj7 - CMaj7 - F#m7b5 - B7#9)
• ii - V7 - iii - VI (Am7 - D7#9 - Bm7 - E7#9). Used in "Take the 'A' Train" and "Girl from Ipanema".

One effective drill for mastering the D7#9 chord is to practice playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution and consistent tone. Start by playing the notes in order (D, F#, A, C, E#), then mix up the sequence to build finger independence and fretboard familiarity.

Another helpful exercise is to practice transitioning smoothly between the D7#9 chord and other common chords in the same key, such as G major or B minor. Work on changing chords rhythmically, striving for precise timing and minimal buzzing or muted strings.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the D7#9 chord.

1. Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix (Dm7, D7#9, Em7, G)
2. Foxy Lady by Jimi Hendrix (Em7, G, Cmaj7, D7#9, C7#9)
3. The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix (Cmaj7, Bm7, Em7, G7#9, Am7, D7#9)
4. Spanish Castle Magic by Jimi Hendrix (Em7, D7#9, Cmaj7, Am7, G6)
5. Manic Depression by Jimi Hendrix (Em7, Am7, Bm7, D7#9)
6. Stone Free by Jimi Hendrix (Em7, D7#9, G6, Cmaj7)
7. If 6 Was 9 by Jimi Hendrix (Em7, D7#9, Cmaj7, Am7)
8. Ain't No Telling by Jimi Hendrix (G, D7#9, Em7, Cmaj7)
9. Love or Confusion by Jimi Hendrix (Em7, G6, D7#9, Cmaj7)
10. May This Be Love by Jimi Hendrix (Em7, D7#9, Cmaj7, Am7, Bm7)