Dbm6/9: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

Dbm6/9 (m6/9) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5 6 9. A minor triad with the 6th and 9th added and no 7th — a cool, smooth minor with a Dorian flavor.

Chord tones

The b3 sets the minor while the natural 6th brings Dorian light, and the 9th adds richness. With no 7th the sound is finished.

Sound character

Cool, smooth and modal — the Dorian minor of 'So What.' Not sad, just calm and settled.

Harmonic function

A minor tonic, most often in a modal (Dorian) context. Stable, needs no motion.

Typical progressions

  • Dbm6/9 (Dorian vamp)
  • Dbm6/9 – Ebm7b5 – Ab7
  • Bbm6/9 at the end

Guitar voicing advice

Root on the 5th string, a compact 1 – b3 – 6 – 9. Drop the 5th.

Compatible scales for Dbm6/9

Other chord qualities on the Db root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.