Chord and FretDmaj9 — major ninth
Notes in Dmaj9: D – F# – A – C# – EFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
The maj9 is the maj7 with the ninth added. It widens the triad without losing its restful character, with a romantic sheen.
The same chord on all four instruments
Where to use it: Ballads, bossa nova and neo-soul love this chord to open or close a song. It is the natural pick when a plain maj7 feels too plain — the ninth adds an extra glow without disturbing the rest.
Every region of the neck hides more shapes of Dmaj9. In Chord and Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.
See the whole neck in Chord and Fret →Part of the Extended family.