D♭ Dominant Ninth Chord

Chord Tones: D♭ Dominant Ninth Chord

Symbol: 9 — Formula: 1-3-5-♭7-9

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The D♭ dominant ninth chord commonly functions as the supertonic (♭II, Neapolitan) in C major or tonic in D♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides stable harmonic grounding.

The dominant ninth chord extends the dominant seventh with a ninth, adding color and richness to one of music's most harmonically active chords. Essential in jazz, blues, and funk. The D♭ Dominant Ninth Chord specifically contains 5 notes: D♭, F, A♭, B, E♭ (formula: 1-3-5-♭7-9). On piano, Db-rooted chords place the root on a black key surrounded by other black keys, and the hand naturally cups over the raised surface for smooth voice leading. Romantic piano repertoire, contemporary R&B, and cinematic underscore frequently feature Db chords for their lush, introspective warmth.

Common Progressions

The D♭ Dominant Ninth Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• V9-I
• ii7-V9-I

Songs Featuring the Dominant Ninth Chord

Well-known songs where the D♭ Dominant Ninth Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix
• What's Going On – Marvin Gaye
• Superstition – Stevie Wonder

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the D♭ Dominant Ninth Chord

These scales include the D♭ Dominant Ninth Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: